Statistics

Statistics: Leave Your NameLeave Your Name (2004)
Jade Tree Records

Reviewer Rating: 3.5

Contributed by: Aubinaubin
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on January 23rd 2004I 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 ani.

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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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

velchinaski (October 2, 2005)

I love this record it is definitely the best record of the 2004 year.!!
and new record Statistics-Often_Lie is the best of new year !!

Sciulli (February 18, 2004)

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.

WHEN THE HELL WILL I BE ABLE TO GET THIS ALBUM???

I think I can honestly say that "Reminisce" is one of my favorite songs ever. Hopefully the rest of the album won't disappoint.

dignin (January 28, 2004)

"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)."

Doug Martsch's(Built to Spill) cd got a 7.3 rating
Stephen Malkmus(Pavement) got a 8.0
Sparta got a 7.2
A silver Mt. Zion(members of godspeed..) got a 9.0
Lou Reed's album Transformer got a 8.4

There goes that shit theory of yours, eh?

Anonymous (January 28, 2004)

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.

Rhythm (January 27, 2004)

score's for the pitchfork reveiw, and i don't even like this band.

Anonymous (January 27, 2004)

Pitchfork usually has terrible reviews. They try so hard to be funny too. Terrible.

dignin (January 27, 2004)

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

Anonymous (January 27, 2004)

This review makes more sense: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/s/statistics/leave-y our-name.shtml

Anonymous (January 25, 2004)

nice comment below me.

Anonymous (January 25, 2004)

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.

While I agree that Desa is more political then Weezer, I don't think that Rivers' honest songwriting is less important than Connor and Denver's political stuff by any means. Obvious Connor feels that introspective music is just as valid because his other band is fairly inwardly focused too.

Anonymous (January 25, 2004)

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.