No, seriously: Free Energy
That shitty photo over there is one I took of Free Energy guitarist Scott Wells at the Paradise in Boston last night. It doesn't adequately convey the awesomeness.
Mark extolled the virtues of Free Energy back in May, when their track "Dream City" came out. They have a 7" out soon on DFA, which will be followed by a full LP, Stuck On Nothing, tentatively scheduled for January 12. The thing was produced by James "LCD Soundsystem" Murphy himself.
A friend of mine once described Weezer's guitar sound as "triumphant", and that's stuck with me. It perfectly encapsulates a certain kind of joy in rock music, that "I can't believe we get to do this for a living" outlook that helps these people endure endless van drives and dirty motel rooms. Free Energy, who played for a small but receptive crowd last night, have triumphalism in their bloodstream. I can't believe more people don't know about this band, but I have a feeling that is going to change very soon.
This is music for hard times, designed to convince us otherwise. Free Energy shares some alumni from the late, great band Hockey Night, and there are some common elements - chunky power chords, Malkmus-like vocals, a strong belief in the three-chord structure. There's nothing to dislike here, unless you're not a fan of driving around with open windows on a summer night, or sipping cold beer in the sunshine. When Stuck On Nothing comes out, you will not resist.
In the meantime, see the band on tour throughout August and September.
I'm telling you: joy.