Handsome Furs - Huh?

Sometimes I wonder why I like Wolf Parade. They are second band I ever wrote about and I used to be obsessed with their album. Yet every time a band member puts out a solo album, it fails to impress me. In fact, before I wrote this, I went back and listened to Wolf Parade, just to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. Originally I thought the dilemma was due to Spencer Krug, seeing as I never particularly fancied Sunset Rubdown or Swan Lake. But now that Dan Boeckner has released an album that I am equally disinterested in, I have no logical conclusion to fall back on. I admit that I am gradually appreciating it more and more, but it still comes nowhere near Wolf Parade. Being an album that has received wide-spread glowing praise, I’m more than happy to admit that it’s a case of personal taste rather than poor musicianship, but it still is a bit disconcerting to differ so significantly with the wider music population. Surely there must be other Wolf Parade fans out there that feel the same way as me. Anybody?

Snakes On The Ladder – This is the only song that really grabs my attention, but even then, it always feels like it’s on false pretences. The chorus builds up so nicely, but then just dies. It lets me down every time.

I’m at a loss people. At a loss.

8 comments:

A. Price said...

Well, I haven't heard any of the solo albums but I have come to realize that Wolf Parade is one of a kind so it must be that the combination of all the members of any band is what makes the music at that particular time special. My favorite song of Wolf Parade's, "Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts," has never gotten on my nerves which to me is indeed a feat.

Anonymous said...

Peter,
I've had a similar experience in that none of the side projects have hit me the way the Wolf Parade album did. I liked some of the Sunset Rubdown material. One song that really stands out for me is: "Shut Up, I am Dreaming of a Place Where Lovers Have Wings." I had to listen to that track several times before it got me. And the killer comes in when the song hits 5 minutes with the chant "Don't make a sound".

Swan Lake and Frog Eyes have not interested me so much. But I will say, I do like some of the Handsome Furs material. Particularly "What we Had" and the song you've posted. Nonetheless, none of these side projects have had the same comprehensive appeal as has Wolf Parade.

Cheers mate.

Anonymous said...

I must admit that I am not really into Wolf Parade.... however I like Handsome Furs, I hope this doesn't upset you too much

Peter said...

haha why would I be upset? you can like whatever you want!

Wayne Massingham said...

It is obviously a matter of personal taste but I think you are really missing something here. I regard Plague Park as THE album of 2007. I love Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown and Handsome Furs and they are all actually groups in their own right, not mere solo projects. I can see that Wolf Parade make music that is sometimes easier to digest, but I truly believe that Spencer and Dan's other works are something to behold as well.

Peter said...

oh yeah, i didn't mean solo album like that, more like solo in relation to the other Wolf Parade members. But i do agree. I am missing something. Thats why I'm so confused and disappointed when the records do nothing for me. Ah well.

Anonymous said...

spencer krug Is a jerk.. But a totally brilliant yhe new thom yorke, genius jerk. And Don't forget johnny and the moon people.

Unknown said...

You couldn't be more wrong...Have you had a chance to see Handsome Furs live. Their energy and connection on stage really brings the songs to life. Not only do they totally rock, but they also create a scene that I have never felt before at any show or on any album. I would be interested in hearing some of your suggestions, for now I will conclude that we do not have the same taste in music. I'll take mine over yours, thanks.