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Street Dogs - State of Grace

CDs like these are why I absolutely adore Asian Man Records. Polysics are so absolutely mind-blowingly unique that I can't think of a single label who would take this on, knowing it has no potential of selling more than a handful of copies. But Mike Park believe in the healing power of the rock music, and Polysics are definitely healing me as I sit here, dumbfounded by the music eminating from this disc.

The only way I can possibly describe this is maybe a mixture of Devo with your favorite nu-garage band [let's take the Hives], and add in some absolutely bizarre vocal and instrumental changes ala the Blood Brothers.

If you think it sounds fucked up, it does. If you think it's some sort of glorious trainwreck, it is. But if you think it doesn't work, you're sorely mistaken. To steal a line from a review I read of the band's first US full-length, Hey! Bob! My Friend! - " This is punk Japanese math-rock playing Gameboy on a steady dose of uppers."

The strangest thing is this - Polysics are on a major label in Japan. Even stranger is the fact that this very album came out over 2 years ago in their homeland, and they've put out 2 or 3 records since then. If this was their debut, I can only imagine just how insane the Polysics are now.

Hopefully I won't have to imagine for much longer.



People who liked this also liked:
Less Than Jake - Hello RockviewThe Clash - The ClashAlkaline Trio - GoddamnitEvery Time I Die - The Big DirtyTed Leo and the Pharmacists - Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is DeadWeezer - PinkertonTed Leo and the Pharmacists - Shake The SheetsMaritime - We, The VehiclesWeezer - The Blue AlbumThe Clash - London Calling



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    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at 12:04 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I hope the polysics catch on here. This is insanity. Sooo great

    Posted by AnaMorph0sIs on 2003-09-08 11:53:32
    My Score:

    Woa, this album really kicks ass, most original stuff I've heard in ages.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 26, 2003 at 2:06 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This band is just too fucking weird for me... They're pretty cool, but I can't listen to more than 3 songs at a time without getting really sick of it.

    Asian Man Records still rules, though.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 11:04 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    If Bis (7 years ago) smoked a lot of crack, you would have Polysics. I like this a lot.

    Posted by maverick on 2003-07-24 08:48:49
    My Score:

    Correct, but the first CD is just a compilation of the band's early material. Sort of an introduction to them, if you will. This is the first proper album that's been released stateside.

    -Scott

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 3:07 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    actually, this is the second cd asian man released from the band.

    Posted by vien on 2003-07-23 22:14:48
    My Score:

    show.

    Posted by vien on 2003-07-23 22:13:43
    My Score:

    I saw Polysics live for free at a release shoe for the comp "Japan for sale" in LA. They were awesome.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 10:05 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I wanna haer this band, I might buy the CD, but if its annoying whailing vocals a la Nicotine i wont. Any word?

    Posted by Mikeshitter on 2003-07-23 17:45:11
    My Score:

    Neat review, neat band, neat album. Neatness all round, then.

    Neat.

    Posted by jheisel on 2003-07-23 07:09:12
    My Score:

    this score is for the band Neu!, although polysics aren't bad either.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 2:28 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this cd is so awesome. so much fun.

    -travis

    Posted by fallingtopieces on 2003-07-23 01:08:57
    My Score:

    Polysics roooool!!!!! everyone buy this, it will change your life, you will ponder the meaning of our existence, you will be happier!!!!

    Posted by 8dollarclarinetsolo on 2003-07-23 00:38:19
    My Score:

    what exactly is so good about this? i mean i am interested, i've heard a few of their songs on asian man comps, but is there something that makes it more than just weird music and weirder lyrics? im not saying it would be awful if it was, it would be the kind of cd you really only need one of, to fit certain moods, or is there something more? if you understand what im saying at all..

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at 10:29 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I like uppers.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at 9:02 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    nice review. there aren't many around here lately.

    -exhaustra

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