Tuesday, September 25, 2012

ALBUM REVIEW - Tennis - Young and Old


Young And Old
Tennis
14 February, 2012
Rock/Pop/New Oldies

Is it better to have unlimited potential with huge buzz or an established career with a steady following?  That is the question facing Tennis with the release of their sophomore effort, Young And Old. The internet sensations rode the wave of adulation from their unexpected and unintentional debut, Cape Dory; a 30-minute  wistfully nautical diary entry originally intended for themselves and close friends.  Creating a worthy follow-up to any halfway decent debut album is a tricky proposition.  But theirs is a tougher row to hoe considering the effortless creation of their first album.  It's like you pick up a basketball on a whim and free throws.  You make both of them, and someone comes along and says, "Hey, you're pretty good.  I'll give you $50,000 if you make your next 20 in a row."  How do you recreate the feel of a process you were never aware of?
     Some things are very clear up on first album.  It is apparent that Tennis has a fondness for early motown female acts and production.  Sonically they are deceptively complex for such a clean clear sound.  Playful and light, the album moves along at a constant mid-tempo. Alaina Moore's vocals are reminiscent of that doo-wop, beach-pop sound as well, delicately accompanying the instrumentation in a delightful tango.  She exhibits the ability to dominate a track at times, but wisely just goes along for the ride.
     The inconsistency comes in the tone the songs carry due to the lyrics.  Everything comes packaged in that breezy summertime swing, whether it matches lyrically out not. I sense there might be a lack of confidence in branching out musically.  Their first album had the central theme of sharing a personal experience.  Cape Dory was the soundtrack to what sounded like a wonderful vacation.  Young And Old doesn't seen to have the same purpose or cohesion.  It's a if they are wondering what to do next and are trying things out to discover what works, who they are, and what direction they should go in.
     That being said, I want to follow them on that journey, because there is some really good stuff here.  I wish everyone could sound this good while searching for themselves.  It All feels The Same starts the album with some attitude and, not so secretly, I think this is where their strength lies.  Their best songs are not the ballads or laments; it's the anger, the hurt, and the driven that shines through. Take Me To Heaven is an exquisite song and well worthy of a rare 100 song rating.  I guess the story of the album is in the highs (100, 98, 97) and lows (76, 76, 78) that coexist on the same pressing.

     1) It All Feels The Same (98)
     2) Origins (84)
     3) My Better Self (76)
     4) Traveling (83)
     5) Petition (97)
     6) Robin (78)
     7) High Road (76)
     8) Dreaming (81)
     9) Take Me To Heaven (100)
     10) Never To Part (79)
     11) Deep In The Woods (82)
     12) Vegas (79)
YOUNG AND OLD CAS = 84.42