album review: It don’t mean I don’t love you by Hurray for the Riff Raff

Went out to see Dark, Dark, Dark a few weeks ago and had the light shown on me for a new band, Hurray for the Riff Raff. Of course it was the one time I’m too lazy to ride back 10 blocks and get my camera …

It wasn’t even because of a punk crush, alright that ’s a lie, but that’s only part of it. Besides, after listening to the singer’s songs about how women have broken her heart I don’t even think I’m even her type.

Live their accordian player was downright dynamic and the build ups were more climatic, recorded they’re more relaxing with the banjo and lyrics being the centerpiece.

The only comparison I can think of that is remotely similar is Dark, Dark, Dark, and not only because they toured together (Time and Temperature was about as perfect of a local opener as you could ever expect).

If DDD is like winter in Minneapolis, HFTRR is like winter in New Orleanes. If DDD is polished, HFTRR is that right level of rawness. If DDD is Midwestern, HFTRR is the transplant playing Southern tunes right.

Maybe they really are from the South, but either way, their music is sprinkled, and thankfully not overloaded, with references to the romantic culture down yonder. Ahh, everything in moderation.

What makes this music the most appealing, however, is the genuineness. I can’t think of a time I’ve heard someone pour more of their heart out without being corny or unbearable.