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 | StatisticsLeave Your Name2004 Jade Tree 
  Review by: aubin See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
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Published on January 23rd 2004 I remember reading the insert in Rage Against the Machine's debut, where they seemed quite adamant in their statement that none of the recording was made using anything other than guitar, bass, drums and vocals. Even though I knew less about music production then, I was still surprised at the animosity of “rock” musicians towards their peers who chose to use electronics in their music. Now, almost a decade later, while some of that attitude has disappated, I still hear people speak disapprovingly about those “pseudo-musicians” who compensate for their alledged lack of talent by using computers and keyboards. However, the truth of the matter is that while keyboards and computers certainly make it possible for anyone to make music, it certainly doesn't help an untalented person make good music. Luckily for Statistics, Denver Dailey has talent in spades. His best known project is probably his Pinkerton-inspired collaboration with Bright Eyes' Connor Oberst in the excellent and underrated Desaparecidos, who effectively showed us that Bright Eyes' alter-ego had far more to offer than maudlin ruminations about life. Playing guitar and acting as primary songwriter in that band, Dailey fine tuned his ear for catchy melodies, and for finding energetic dynamics in the most unlikely places. And it is in these unlikely places that we find Leave Your Name, because electronics aside, Denver has produced a record which could translate perfectly into a live band setting. Statistics is clearly and undeniably a rock band. Take the opener, “Sing a Song”, which begins with pulsing beeps and layers on a drum machine as Denver whispers something disparaging about music critics. But seconds later, as his vocals jump an octave or two and the wall of guitars crash into the song, you couldn't be faulted for hearing a little Desaparecidos in the track. Later, on “Mr.Nathan” - probably the highlight of the record - he shows that you can carry an entire song without vocals, and still provide the kind of visceral rock edge and dynamics at which some of the best frontman have failed. And while comparisons to Ben Gibbard's Postal Service project are inevitable, “Mr. Nathan” shows exactly why those comparisons are unfounded.
If I had to find a flaw with the record, it's that some of the ideas are overused, like the soft-electronics leading to
huge guitar-based chorus, and others are barely acknowledged before being thrown aside, like some of the more interesting
rhythm sections. But those small criticisms aside, Dailey has shown unequivocally that he deserves equal praise to his peers in
the critically lauded Omaha indie scene.
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I love this record it is definitely the best record of the 2004 year.!! I listen to the mp3 of "Reminisce" almost every day off of Jade Tree's website (and when I do, I listen to it about 5 times each). My stupid record store here never has the CD in and I can't pick it up at the show because it's 21 (fuckers). I can't order it online right now because I just changed dorm rooms and my mailbox is all screwed up. "Pitchfork's reviews all bash artists who were once in a proclaimed band but are now solo (Ryan Adams, Denver Daiey just to name a few)." I haven't heard the whole album yet. In fact, I have only heard two songs off of it, A Number Not A Name and Another Day, both of which I'd like to clarify are well written songs. Pitchfork's reviews all bash artists who were once in a proclaimed band but are now solo (Ryan Adams, Denver Daiey just to name a few). Pitchfork just seems to rip on people for the sake of ripping on them. They do not recognize the passion or heart that these artists pour into their work. Denver Daily definitely doesn't give a shit about what is being said about his album because I bet he is making this music because he loves it. score's for the pitchfork reveiw, and i don't even like this band. Pitchfork usually has terrible reviews. They try so hard to be funny too. Terrible. there' been a lot of reviews that I don't really care about. Punknews.org hasn't introduced me to a good band for awhile. On the other hand I've heard of a few great bands from Pitchfork as of late, i.e. the unicorns
In regards to the guy who disliked my comparison between Desa and Pinkerton, I wasn't talking so much about the lyrical content, but because the production, guitar style, songwriting and musical "feel" of the records are strikingly common. i love this record, but for a 29 minute lp, it drags in places. it is definitely the best record of the new year. YES. I don't have this yet, but the EP is fuckin' great. the only real flaw aubin is the length of the cd. a 29 minute LP is pretty damn short but i guess it makes up for it because all the tracks are amazing. Would you please stop referring to Desaparacidos as "Pinkerton influenced." This is certainly not the first time I have read such comments posted here and it is totally unwarrented. Desaparacidos is a very global issued influenced band, with songs about CNN and cowboy Presidents, while Weezer's 'Pinkerton' is the epitome of girl-obsessed shoe-gazer rock. There are no connections there, and the ones you are attempting to imply and utterly senseless. seeing statistics next saturday for 2 bucks! i'll be picking this up there. can't wait. is the album as good as the EP? 'cause that EP is pretty fantastic. i like this, it gives me something to put in my stero while my desaparecidos album cools off. Good album, and good review. I don't hear the likeness to Postal Service really, either. Although I guess they will be compared simply because of having "electronic stuff" in the band. But it's not as large of a component in the music as it is in Postal Service, I dont think. Not to diminish the electronics--I still like them in both groups. good review. much better than pitchforks. i really enjoy this album. i like this band a lot. but its funny you mention RATM, because while they may have only used instruments, they certainly beefed up a few songs with studio trickery. |
