8.25 out of 10I feel I need to talk about the magic that is Dead Man's Bones before I share my Top 100 Albums of 2009 with you. I feel it is truly important for you to sit down with this album and soak in it's ghastly prowessness. Dead Man's Bones consists of a (rather large) children's choir, Zach Shields, and (what may or may not have given this band their initial attention that they thoroughly deserve) Ryan Gosling. Yes, THAT Ryan Gosling, the same one in The Notebook/Lars And The Real Girl/etc. Actually, while filming The Notebook Mr. Gosling was dating his costar Rachel McAdams, through that relationship he forged another relationship with Rachel McAdams sister's boyfriend (seems like a mouthful) Zach Shields. For the past two years Ryan and Zach became inseparable due to their shared love for all things macabre and bizarre. The end result is Dead Man's Bones, one of the best albums I have most certainly laid ears on in 2009. I would like to note something, although I can whole-heartedly say and mean it, DMB's debut album IS one of 09's best, it failed to make my list due to me not being on the ball and listening to it soon enough. Which is precisely why I am reviewing this album now, in hopes that you will go out and treat yourself to one more amazing album before the year ends.
Dead Man's Bones are one of those groups that live up to their name. They are dark, ominous, macabre, spooky, and any other adverb you can think of that might describe a frightful vibe. The soul purpose behind DMB was to be create an "eerie musical" in somewhat of a vaudevillian style. If you can imagine those extremely dramatic silent films where the actors face purvey the utmost distress with a soundtrack, you'd be close to the fervor of this album. If you can't really imagine what that might sound like, imagine a cross between Arcade Fire and a Gothic Polyphonic Spree mixed with a little bit of Doo Wop and a few other spooktacular effects. Piano, guitar/bass, heavenly choirs, live clap tracks, and monstrous drumming are the instruments of choice. The Silverlake Conservatory of Music's children's choir were included to evoke the spirit of the Langley Schools Music Project. Which meant they had certain rules to adhere to while recording: click tracks or electric guitars were strictly forbidden. Gosling, Shield, and producer Tim Anderson had to play the instruments themselves (which they only allowed themselves three takes for any performance). Even with the few amount of takes they recorded the album in they are just as tight/complete as any other amazing pop group you could think of. Dead Man's Bones really are unique in the sense that they offer a truly shuddersome sense of humor when it comes to their sound.
Dead Man's Bones are a Gothic Indie Pop band with a cinematic flair. Please do yourself a favor and check out this album if you're into music that can evoke more imagery than a movie ever could. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Standout Tracks: A-L-L, if I had to be picky; Buried In Water, Pa Pa Power, Flowers Grow Out Of My Grave
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