 M.J.
Hibbett & The Validators
"Shed Anthems" CDEP
Artists
Against Success / Sorted
Records
Genres: indie pop
Feb 28 - Mar 6 2005 |
MJ Hibbett & The Validators' Shed Anthems EP is a
truly fun record. Hibbett and co. are definitely enjoying
themselves here, and that seems to rub off on the listener.
Melodically, these songs aren't incredible - but their cheery,
sing-along structure makes them sound good anyway. The whole
thing sounds sort of like an inebriated Belle & Sebastian
improvising songs by a campfire. "Billy Jones is Dead"
and "Let the Weird Band Win" are the most successful tracks
here - they have a nice quality to them that urges you to sing
along. The hidden track is also a fun little romp, perfectly
exemplifying the type of silly, offbeat storytelling that Hibbett
does so well. While these may not be the catchiest songs in the
world, the combination of good fun and lyrical ingenuity makes for a
successful release. 72%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
6 tracks + 1 hidden, distributed by the
label, released 2004] |
