Dr. Dog v2.0

[e_wind]

its awesome. I'm loving it

[j_rud]

Digging it big time but I do think the first half of the album is stronger than the second. The first 4 to open the album are outstanding and I think Slick's presence can be heard. Not that anything previous was sloppy or anything, but Slick is tight. I also think Toby Leaman's songs are stronger overall on this album. I tend to prefer McMicken tunes as a general rule when it comes to Dr. Dog but I dont find there to be so much of a gap on this one. But again, Im just talking my preferences.

[Ruckus]

Digging it big time but I do think the first half of the album is stronger than the second. The first 4 to open the album are outstanding and I think Slick's presence can be heard. Not that anything previous was sloppy or anything, but Slick is tight. I also think Toby Leaman's songs are stronger overall on this album. I tend to prefer McMicken tunes as a general rule when it comes to Dr. Dog but I dont find there to be so much of a gap on this one. But again, Im just talking my preferences.

I tend to agree with your assessment of Toby's but maybe because I'm just a huge Toby fan in general (he's a severely underrated bassist with great tone and groove).  That "fat" sound on Old Black Hole is a classic example of what I'm referring to. 

In the immortal words of dragonboy at Mcgees in NYC, "I don't know how you listen to that Dr. Dog.  I think it's crap.  It sounds like carnival music."   ;D  I get it.  There is some legitimacy to that if you are listening to only McMicken's songs.  It is just that perception that makes me appreciate Toby even more because if his songs didn't have that soulful punch, a Dr. Dog album would sound like ten consecutive carnival tracks.

But I'm getting sidetracked.  I appreciate that they didn't really stray out of their comfort zone but definitely feels as if there is a little more funk in some of the beats.  There are a few songs (I don't have the song list in front of me) that come across as dead ringers for past Dog songs and that's not a bad thing.  I need to listen more to see if it holds up but overall, I couldn't be happier.  These songs will all translate incredibly live I imagine and look forward to the 2 March shows.

[YouAre_GivenToFly]

Carnival music?  ;D Now that you say it, I can certaintly understand that conclusion. "My Old Ways" definitely comes to mind with that little piano melody.

I've probably listened to this album 10 or 12 times already. Really looking forward to hearing these songs live. My only complaint thus far is that "Control Yourself" was left off the album.

[Jon T.]

http://teamcoco.com/drdog

Stream...

[YouAre_GivenToFly]

http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/canine_teeth-38384464.html


A cool little local article from back when Dr Dog was just a bunch of young pups.

[j_rud]

Digging it big time but I do think the first half of the album is stronger than the second. The first 4 to open the album are outstanding and I think Slick's presence can be heard. Not that anything previous was sloppy or anything, but Slick is tight. I also think Toby Leaman's songs are stronger overall on this album. I tend to prefer McMicken tunes as a general rule when it comes to Dr. Dog but I dont find there to be so much of a gap on this one. But again, Im just talking my preferences.

I tend to agree with your assessment of Toby's but maybe because I'm just a huge Toby fan in general (he's a severely underrated bassist with great tone and groove).  That "fat" sound on Old Black Hole is a classic example of what I'm referring to. 

In the immortal words of dragonboy at Mcgees in NYC, "I don't know how you listen to that Dr. Dog.  I think it's crap.  It sounds like carnival music."   ;D  I get it.  There is some legitimacy to that if you are listening to only McMicken's songs.  It is just that perception that makes me appreciate Toby even more because if his songs didn't have that soulful punch, a Dr. Dog album would sound like ten consecutive carnival tracks.

But I'm getting sidetracked.  I appreciate that they didn't really stray out of their comfort zone but definitely feels as if there is a little more funk in some of the beats.  There are a few songs (I don't have the song list in front of me) that come across as dead ringers for past Dog songs and that's not a bad thing.  I need to listen more to see if it holds up but overall, I couldn't be happier.  These songs will all translate incredibly live I imagine and look forward to the 2 March shows.

Dude lol! When we were at your place before J. Roddy I said Toby might be my favorite bassist in current music and you looked at me like I took a dump on your floor.  Then you went on a Geddy Lee rant which led us to the conclusion that you're the 3rd, always off screen, friend in I Love You Man. Ciggy sealed it. No idea how I remember all that...

I agree about the balance though, Toby's tunes add some depth to that glossy, poppy sound that in some ways has become a trademark. Like on Fate, surrounding Rabbit, Bat, &Reindeer with Army of Ancients and The Ark. In any case the album is kickass and those 2 shows in March should be a blast.

[j_rud]

My only complaint thus far is that "Control Yourself" was left off the album.

Hopefully we get a deluxe version with an ep's worth of songs like Shame, Shame...

[Ruckus]

Digging it big time but I do think the first half of the album is stronger than the second. The first 4 to open the album are outstanding and I think Slick's presence can be heard. Not that anything previous was sloppy or anything, but Slick is tight. I also think Toby Leaman's songs are stronger overall on this album. I tend to prefer McMicken tunes as a general rule when it comes to Dr. Dog but I dont find there to be so much of a gap on this one. But again, Im just talking my preferences.

I tend to agree with your assessment of Toby's but maybe because I'm just a huge Toby fan in general (he's a severely underrated bassist with great tone and groove).  That "fat" sound on Old Black Hole is a classic example of what I'm referring to. 

In the immortal words of dragonboy at Mcgees in NYC, "I don't know how you listen to that Dr. Dog.  I think it's crap.  It sounds like carnival music."   ;D  I get it.  There is some legitimacy to that if you are listening to only McMicken's songs.  It is just that perception that makes me appreciate Toby even more because if his songs didn't have that soulful punch, a Dr. Dog album would sound like ten consecutive carnival tracks.

But I'm getting sidetracked.  I appreciate that they didn't really stray out of their comfort zone but definitely feels as if there is a little more funk in some of the beats.  There are a few songs (I don't have the song list in front of me) that come across as dead ringers for past Dog songs and that's not a bad thing.  I need to listen more to see if it holds up but overall, I couldn't be happier.  These songs will all translate incredibly live I imagine and look forward to the 2 March shows.

Dude lol! When we were at your place before J. Roddy I said Toby might be my favorite bassist in current music and you looked at me like I took a dump on your floor.  Then you went on a Geddy Lee rant which led us to the conclusion that you're the 3rd, always off screen, friend in I Love You Man. Ciggy sealed it. No idea how I remember all that...

I agree about the balance though, Toby's tunes add some depth to that glossy, poppy sound that in some ways has become a trademark. Like on Fate, surrounding Rabbit, Bat, &Reindeer with Army of Ancients and The Ark. In any case the album is kickass and those 2 shows in March should be a blast.

C:-)C:-)C:-)>:D>:D>:D

[el_chode]

Ok, so after 3 or 4 listens, I don't find this to be nearly as catchy as the last one...nothing stands out yet. HOWEVER it is strange in that it also like sucks me in or something and its over before I know it. I just don't find myself being grabbed by anything in particular.

Then again, I think their last album might be one of my favorites in recent memory and Where'd All The Time Go is by far my favorite Dog song. The bar was set super high.

EDIT: after driving to work listening to this this AM, I realized my problem: this is an April album and needs to be enjoyed in open air

[e_wind]

I can see what you're saying there Chode. There are songs on shame shame that are just damn catchy and pull you in right away. However, album wise, I think the new one is better.

[DewieCox]

Colored vinyl is on it's way....  :D

Anybody know if they got a signed one. I ordered pretty the minute I found out so I'm keepin' my fingers crossed

[j_rud]

I'll be picking mine up tomorrow, can't wait. Even swung by the place today to make sure they didn't happen to come in yet. After only a week I think I can say its my favorite since Fate. At first I was saying "the first 4 are outstanding". Then it became the first 6. Now its just the whole album. Love it.

[DewieCox]

I'll be picking mine up tomorrow, can't wait. Even swung by the place today to make sure they didn't happen to come in yet. After only a week I think I can say its my favorite since Fate. At first I was saying "the first 4 are outstanding". Then it became the first 6. Now its just the whole album. Love it.

I can usually judge where an album will sit with me and I don't think this one will pass Fate or Shame Shame, but it'll be above the others unless they grow on me the way Shame Shame has in the last several months.

[Ruckus]

Dude lol! When we were at your place before J. Roddy I said Toby might be my favorite bassist in current music and you looked at me like I took a dump on your floor.  Then you went on a Geddy Lee rant which led us to the conclusion that you're the 3rd, always off screen, friend in I Love You Man. Ciggy sealed it. No idea how I remember all that...

I agree about the balance though, Toby's tunes add some depth to that glossy, poppy sound that in some ways has become a trademark. Like on Fate, surrounding Rabbit, Bat, &Reindeer with Army of Ancients and The Ark. In any case the album is kickass and those 2 shows in March should be a blast.

Well, I think I should clarify.  Technically speaking, Toby is very boring.  However, in much of the modern world of rock, the bassist exists solely for the the bottom sound, oftentimes being hardly audible in the mix.  That's where I love his role.  He's got a great tone that carries punch when he plays high on the neck and really drives their dancy groove.  But yeah, I would think you took a dump on my floor if you were arguing his technical merits.

[DewieCox]

Well, I think I should clarify.  Technically speaking, Toby is very boring.  However, in much of the modern world of rock, the bassist exists solely for the the bottom sound, oftentimes being hardly audible in the mix.  That's where I love his role.  He's got a great tone that carries punch when he plays high on the neck and really drives their dancy groove.  But yeah, I would think you took a dump on my floor if you were arguing his technical merits.

I don't think any bass player that can channel Paul McCartney the way Toby does should ever be said to be boring in any context. There's obviously many more technical bassists than them, but the notes that those technical players play that really pop are often the same ones that McCartney would hit at just the perfect time.

[Ruckus]

Well, I think I should clarify.  Technically speaking, Toby is very boring.  However, in much of the modern world of rock, the bassist exists solely for the the bottom sound, oftentimes being hardly audible in the mix.  That's where I love his role.  He's got a great tone that carries punch when he plays high on the neck and really drives their dancy groove.  But yeah, I would think you took a dump on my floor if you were arguing his technical merits.

I don't think any bass player that can channel Paul McCartney the way Toby does should ever be said to be boring in any context. There's obviously many more technical bassists than them, but the notes that those technical players play that really pop are often the same ones that McCartney would hit at just the perfect time.

I feel ya man.  What is it the Americans call it?  Two sides of the same coin?  Truth be told, I never got the Beatles (shocking) so I lack  the same admiration for McCartney that you have though I understand the Dog being compared to them as a whole.  I find Toby groovy and funky, just not exciting.

[Jon T.]

Truth be told, I never got the Beatles (shocking)

We share many similarities, Ruckdog. 

May I call you Ruckdog?

[Ruckus]

Truth be told, I never got the Beatles (shocking)

We share many similarities, Ruckdog. 

May I call you Ruckdog?

Ruff?

[j_rud]

For anyone in the Philly area, Repo Records at 6th and South has it on the shelves. I got a gray one with some blue and purple around the edges, looks pretty nice. The look is pretty similar to the Control Yourself 7".  Noticed a couple differences from the leak, most noticeable in Vampire.