Leeds, U.K.-based indie rock darlings, The Wedding Present were formed as a quartet in 1985 after the demise of Lost Pandas. Spearheaded by the eccentric frontman and lead guitarist, David Gedge, the band released its first record George Best in 1987, a compilation of singles that paid homage to the Manchester United soccer star of the 60s and 70s. While this effort displayed the band's playful over-the-top pop personality, the following records, Bizarro and Seamonsters dug at the raw nerve. With the help of producer, Steve Albini, The Weddoes hit stride with its signature sound of Gedge's frenetic three-chord guitar progression coupled with his off-the cuff-manic prose; love-bent lyrics that blend beautifully with choppy bass riffs, swirling guitars and tight, diligent drumming, all providing the constant rhythm of heartbreak until crescendo.
At times, Gedge's edgy demeanor reminds me of a ballsy Morrissey with his emotional instability and his cracked at the core heart. However, where Morrissey wallows in self-pitying poetry in a Girlfriend in a Coma-esque way, Gedge picks at the scab, never lamenting on the lunacy of love. On the lovelorn "Brassneck," he snarls "I Just Decided I Don't Trust You Anymore," while on the cult classic, "Kennedy" he ponders "Oh, Have You Lost Your Love of Life? Too Much Apple Pie." The highlight on Bizarro is "Take Me," a nine-minute jaw-dropping indie jam that embodies the essence of the Weddoes.
fuckin huns
Posted by: john o'leary | 05/19/2010 at 10:01 PM