Label - Anti, Inc.
BLURB - For about two years I refused to listen to Dr. Dog because I thought it was one of the stupidest band names I've ever heard, even though they were from Philly. I still think that today, but I've finally started listening to them. Dr. Dog has certifiably been a part of the recent indie-folk explosion that's been sweeping the music scene the past five or so years, bringing with it the likes of Dawes, Delta Spirit and Deer Tick. Maybe that's why Dr. Dog chose that name for their band, it's got two D's in it. Aside from the obligatory D-name, Dr. Dog brings with them all of the credible chops needed to succeed in this flourishing sector of rock and roll.
Rating - 8 out of 10
FULL STORY - Much of "Shame, Shame" is filled with warm tones and great depth, giving the record a sense of honesty and sincerity. Dr. Dog employs two separate and distinct vocalists (Scott McMicken and Toby Leaman), something that is not as common as perhaps it should be. With two vocalists, the album becomes twice as diverse and covers a broader range of colors and textures that never could never be reached with just one. The music is a standard fair of electric and acoustic guitars and piano. I want to be careful with really over-labeling Dr. Dog as an indie-folk band. While this tag can certainly be argued, the band does tend to lean slightly towards more of a classic rock feel.
'Stranger' begins the album with a storytelling feel that is both organic and patient. The track does a formidable job introducing new listers (such as yours truly) to their brand of rock and roll. The music brings together multiple guitars and vocal harmonies that surface throughout each chorus. 'Stranger' never gets too heavy and casually breezes along with a sense of informality that allows the listener to drop the guard and simply listen along. The song has a relatable collection of lyrics that plays more like a phone conversation than a song:
"Twenty years of schooling, I just never learned the math. That one and one don't equal two, they often equal half. While I've tried to live the high life the best that I know how, I bought my share of debonair, parlaying it on the crowd."
'Unbearable Why' speeds the tempo up a bit and prominently displays a catchy collection of piano riffs that serve as the hook. Also contributing to the catchy-nature of the song, are a series of vocal harmonies between the band's vocalists that pop up around every corner of the track. The song also features a great bridge, which dramatically changes the pace of the song and then steadily builds up to one last chorus, lending itself an increase in both passion and conviction.
The best track on the album is 'Where'd All the Time Go?' There is a classic and timeless feel to the song that makes it instantly likable. As with 'Unbearably Why,' once again we have a great collection of vocal harmonies that help paint rich colors and tones around the lyrics. Structurally, the song is cleverly planned out and always seems to be moving in the right direction. Musically, it'ss incredibly simple, yet broken out into separate and distinct sections that never allow the listener to become disengaged. Several subtle guitar riffs and progressions help to change the pace and clearly outline portions of the song, while an underrated bass line steals the show and serves as the backbone of the track. As the song moves along you can slowly feel the emotion and sincerity growing through both the music and the lyrics:
"There's nothing to keep you from falling in love. It starts at the bottom and comes from above. Like pieces of a puzzle, like a hand in a glove. She gets dressed up like a pillow so she's always in bed. Flowers for the sick and dead. She's on the go, way too fast and way too slow. She'll turn to stone in hospitals and funeral homes. And when the tide rises, somebody sinks and is gone in the blink of an eye."
'Jackie Wants a Black Eye' has a great campfire atmosphere that is both fun and enjoyable. Tambourines and claps are that status quo on this song, while much of the vocals are sung by the entire band. The track speaks volumes to the appeal of Dr. Dog. It's loose, informal and feels like drinking some beers with a bunch of friends after work. "Shame, Shame" does run into some hurdles with a couple of their songs though. 'Station' and 'Later' are both somewhat repetitive and boring, creating two noticeable hiccups if you're trying to listen to the album straight through. Overall though, Dr. Dog's "Shame, Shame' is a pleasant surprise that will leave you light hearted and in a good mood. The only thing thats left to do is change their name.
Tracks
1.) Stranger
2.) Shadow People
3.) Station
4.) Unbearable Why
5.) Where'd All the Time Go?
6.) Later
7.) I Only Wear Blue
8.) Someday
9.) Mirror, Mirror
10.) Jackie Wants a Black Eye
11.) Shame, Shame
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