Review:


The third album from the Dandy Warhols finds the band exploring a diverse cross-section of 70s-inspired sounds, with occasional helpings of bands such as the Rolling Stones and the Velvet Underground. What sets this album apart from their last one is sharper, less cluttered production, resulting in a bigger overall sound where each instrument sounds huge. Acoustic guitar is used to great effect in the lead-off track, Godless, which is nicely complimented by effective use of horns.

Standout tracks include the moody, hypnotic Mohammed; the energetic, contagious Bohemian Like You; the churning, characteristic Nietzsche; and the gorgeous, enveloping Sleep. Other songs don't fare as well, however, and the overall quality isn't enough to make this their best album to date. Songs such as Horse Pills and Get Off just don't measure up, while others take several listens to earn their stripes.

Some of the songs that didn't make the album are available as free MP3 downloads from the official Dandy Warhols site, and it's unclear why near-classics such as Retarded and Ohio were rejected in favor of weaker songs. Still, Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia is a definite step forward for the band, and rates as one of the year's best releases.


Reviewed by Z. Enderby