HM » Matt Conner

Destroy Nate Allen – Perfect Recipe for a Smile

Doug Van Pelt — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:03:26 +0000

Destroy Nate Allen

Perfect Recipe for a Smile

[Album Review with band response/commentary in italics]

GOL. I think that means “Groaned Out Loud” in today’s digi-language and ‘twas my response when forced to listen to Destroy Nate Allen’s disc, Smile. And, unfortunately, I believe that’s the intended response. The husband/wife duo from Portland – Nate and Tessa – create acoustic tripe that’s one half PBS after-school tunes for adults and the other half local community theatre set to music. In other words, if these two had a cable access show, I’d believe it.

Dude! This guy totally gets us! He nailed it! We are totally about modeling healthy relationships, good communication, and making positive life choices. And we both were involved in various theater projects in high school.

“Turns Out You’re Perfect for Me” grates the ears with off-key notes (via Tessa) and lines like “Turns out you’re perfect for me/You scratch my back when it’s itchy.” “Recipe” follows suit with “When you are trying to cook/Sometimes you use a recipe book/But there’s danger in the air/If there’s ingredients to spare…” You get the point.

You’re right. I didn’t know how to sing when we went in to record this. But after being on tour for 6 months, I can tell you, my voice is much improved. The 2 songs you pointed out are the first 2 songs that I ever wrote. Nate wrote almost all of the other, more serious songs. But you know what? “Recipe” is an audience favorite! And if you’re going to quote “Perfect,” you may as well tell them “I wanted a guy covered in tattoos/ But I learned some of them have mommy issues.”

But let’s be honest. Critiquing this is like spending time downplaying the importance of Pee Wee Herman – an exercise in critical frivolity. It doesn’t matter either way what score I give it. [Independent] Matt Conner

How did he know that Pee Wee’s Playhouse was one of my favorite shows of all time? Cable access, hmm, what a good idea! Maybe something like Waynes World meets AA meets Yo Gabba Gabba…

Grade: 1

Starfield

Doug Van Pelt — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:31:42 +0000

Starfield
The Saving One
Even with the nominations, awards and radio hits, Starfield still seem as an under-the-radar act. Perhaps that’s not the case for some fans, but mostly the Neufeld brothers continue to craft worship anthems with electric guitars and crashing drums with the best of them only to find others receiving more acclaim and press. Nevertheless, that doesn’t stop them from offering more of the same on The Saving One. The title track sounds a bit familiar and generally the guys deliver a more original turn on their lead single. The same could be said for a tune like “Declaration of Dependence,” which even in its title is trying a bit too hard. Still, the piano of “Rediscover You” and the softer side of “Absolutely” are worth the price of admission. If anything, this album places itself nicely in the discography, even if it’s not the best of the bunch or a great leap forward. [sparrow] Matt Conner

Protected: LEELAND

Doug Van Pelt — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:10:26 +0000