Since Paper Television *was* one of the best releases of 2006 (see review at bottom of post), the Blow deserved to get the remix treatment for the re-release of 2004's Poor Aim: Love Songs. The CD marks Khaela Maricich's first collab with Jona Bechtolt -- who, by the way has a third Yacht full-length coming out May 8 called I Believe in You. Your Magic Is Real. Now, not only is Jona a permanent member of Blow, but the band picked up a tour with the excellent Electrelane. Unfortunately, Electrelane later got a supporting spot on the Arcade Fire's tour; so the Blow have only a handful of dates left. So get out there and score some Blow!
- Mon May 14
- Tue May 15
- Wed May 16
- Sat May 26
- Fri June 8
The Blow*
Paper Television (K Records)
In typical K Records tradition, Jona Bechtolt and Khaela Maricich mold their creation from raw materials: lo-fi beats, a microphone, and a “Pile of Gold,” a song that positions them as a modern egalitarian duo who balance hip-hop’s rhythms with women’s studies-influenced lyrics; think of it as party music that thinks. After opening with a very familiar-sounding ‘80s keyboard riff, Maricich gets about as close to throaty as she ever will when singing “All the girls are sittin’ on a pile of gold.” Comparing ass to cash and sex to an economic exchange may sound like fodder for a debate on prostitution but the song makes no apologies for its feminist fair-trade analogies, reminding boys that they “should treat us good.” On “Parentheses,” Bechtolt’s bass lines bounce amidst handclaps and charming one-liners like “When you’re holding me, we make a pair of parentheses.” The song’s missive to the world is to never be afraid to show emotion and to be assured that someone you care for we’ll always be there for you; and when Maricich’s lilting speak-singing says so, you want to believe. No, the Paper Television’s song structures aren’t rocket science and the singing is hardly ranging, but the charm, wit, and observation far outweigh any such perceived shortcomings. And if disarming simplicity is their MO, then “True Affection” is their crowning achievement. The bulk of the song sounds like it could have been made by using only sounds effects from Pong and Maricich masters breathy, dispassionate and distanced vocals while the pain and intimacy bubbles to the surface of its underwater motif. Maricich’s single ability to craft smart and creative lyrics within and without samples, drum machines, and vocal play must have endeared the Blow to K in the first place, but the pop sensibilities of Paper Television will undoubtedly endear them to the thinking party kids at large.
*Originally published in Amplifier.
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