Review Summary: Ever been to Merriweather?
There are some bands, and albums that must be listened to under a certain set of circumstances to unleash their full potential. Just like Gospel is best on a rainy, foggy day, and just like Godspeed You! Black Emperor is best when given full attention in an intimate setting, Beach House's
Teen Dream is an album that needs to be experienced, not simply listened to.
Merriweather Post Pavilion is a place in most Sputnik user's hearts, if simply only for the fact that it tickles their little hipster tummys just thinking about the name. But before it was an overrated indie album, Merriweather was a venue, and a damn fine one at that. The secluded, yet wide open expanse of the pavilion on one of summer's last clear, starry nights is the perfect place to experience the brand of dream pop that Beach House offers.
Laying on the lawn, a crisp 70 degrees out, looking up at the open night sky and the countless stars filling it, light up a cigarette as the intimate guitar picking courtesy of Alex Scally comes forward, the subtle organ and keyboard effects that contribute to the atmosphere of the music and the night, the silky smooth yet low vocals of Victoria Legrand, it all comes together in a way that few other live performances have ever done.
Whether its the pulsing organ notes layered with LeGrand's enunciated husky singing in "Walk In The Park," the sparse guitar plucking of "Zebra," or the uptempo jubilation of "Used To Be," there's something simple and pure about Beach House's music. It isn't technically earth-shattering, nor is it cutting edge or particularly original, but there is an unidentifiable factor about the duo that just exudes charm and like-ability.
Every song has its own unique feel and aesthetic, but all together, the album provides a wonderful taste of some dream pop made my two of the best in the game. Subtle electronics, simple shoegaze-y guitar picking and plucking, airy and innocent organ and keys, slow and deliberately paced drumming.And those vocals, oh those wonderfully silky smooth and husky vocals that you'll be humming along to for months into fall and winter, waiting for those summer nights to return to you.
Beach House offers the best of their discography in
Teen Dream, and while everyone doesn't have the pleasure of being an hour from Merriweather Post Pavilion, everyone does have the ability to pick up one of the most charming and uplifting pop albums of the year, and I highly recommend you do so.
In a matter of time, it would slip from my mind
In and out of my life, you would slip from my mind
In a matter of time
Teen Dream drifts to a
4.5/5
