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Q And Not U

Different Damage (2002)
Dischord Records

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Contributed by: rayjay
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on December 3rd 2002

Dischord, whether you like it or not, is one of the greatest labels in independent music history. If only for their business sense in today's world of major labels, video clips with more tits in them than words and the almighty dollar, Ian MacKaye and the Dischord staff have continuously put quality albums at good prices out for years, with little publicity. Word of mouth is the weapon there, and it from this - the Dismemberment Plan website to be precise - that I first heard of Q and Not U.

Expecting great things, I picked up this album and did not know what to expect at first. Initially the sounds of Faraquet came to mind, but with more of an emphasis on lyrics rather than the guitar work of their Dischord stablemates. 'Soft Pyramids' really shows how a catchy lyrical line can be as powerful as any string of guitar chords: (Select a colour for your chequelist / Kiss all the commas in your chequelist). 'So Many Animal Calls' is a little more rawkus without being overbearing. 'Black Plastic Bags' seemes to have various references to globalisation, just as you'd expect from a Dischord act - "Every town gets an Eiffel Tower tonight."

'This Are Flashes' starts well, but decends into a cacophony of 'la la las' which does get a touch much, but it leads into probably the best (and most bizare) track on the record - 'Everybody Ruins'. Begingin with alot of silence and drum clicks the song kicks into a fast-paced line until halting abruptly, the kind of halt that has you looking oddly at your headphones. Odd, but strangley drawing, after this it rolls into a much more laid back outro and into 'Snow Patterns.'

The same about this album is that the last few tracks really are nothing memorable. Not that there is anything wrong with them, Q and Not U are strong songwriters and musicians, but they really don't stand out the way the first track, or several others do.

Not that this should take too much away from a fine album with many high points. Very laid back, and somewhat depressing, it really is all I'd expect from an outfit that's garnered quite a reputation as music for musicians and fans alike.

Good and not great - but close.

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Anonymous (June 3, 2005)

This album is a hidden gem... are these guys Canadian? Vancouver?

I usually detest most indie rock sounding music but I have honestly not explored the genre in the least. This album and Nada Surf's "Let Go" are my two favorite indie-ish records. Check out the latter if you like mellow alt rock.

-Not-To-Regret

Anonymous (January 29, 2004)

When I saw this band live it was before I heard any of thir music and was one of the first bands to excite me into buying some of their stuff since I heard Floggin Molly dominate a 10-20k strong punk festival.

Anonymous (December 7, 2002)

Really? That's quite insensitive of you. I must confess that I really didn’t think my comments were all that intelligent, but I’ll take the compliment. For a guy trying to get some from a fat chick, (muffingirl) you really aren’t kissing her ass very well. Admit it; you just want to find out what flavor her muffins are. Some guys’ll do anything for some stinky finger.

Anonymous (December 7, 2002)

Hmm. the muffin girl definitely said she had only listened to it ONCE and that was why she hadn't really formed an opinion on it (yet). But yeah, telling her to go find a man to boss her around and get pregnant was cool AND intelligent. Really.

Anonymous (December 5, 2002)

Hey muffin girl, did you honestly write that? Because my brain is working overtime to figure it out. Did you say that you have this album, listened to it, but don't know what to think of it yet? Are you fucking retarded? You need someone to tell you what to think about an album? You fucking listened to it! How could you not know if you liked it or not? Do you want me to tell you if you like muffins or not? Poor girl. You need a big strong man to help you decide things? Do you like yourself? Cuz I think ya don't. In fact I don't think you like music anymore. I think you should settle down and find a man that can boss you around all day. You need that. Just get pregnant eat and don’t think. twat

Anonymous (December 4, 2002)

I still haven't gotten into this album as much as i have no kill no beep beep. But I think this album is very excellent and original. I think they are going in a good direction. And I like not knowing what to expect next.

Anonymous (December 4, 2002)

hmmmm, you lost me, i got bored reading this review. but i've listened to the album once and can't say what i think of it yet.

the>muffin>girl