Starflyer 59

Everybody Makes Mistakes (Tooth & Nail)
by Tim Den

Every issue of Lollipop, I have the pleasure of discovering one or two records that’ll occupy my stereo for years to come. More often than not, they’ve been polished, layered, crafted pop records. I am freakishly happy to say that Everybody Makes Mistakes is one of these records. Do not be alarmed. Just because Tooth & Nail released it doesn’t mean it’s any less serious pop than Scott Walker. Starflyer 59 is perhaps the only formidable entity to be able to stand up against overseas giants like My Bloody Valentine and Radiohead. It is the cynicism of “knowing better,” the soundscapes of New Order, and the dreariness of The Smiths, all rolled into one unique palate. It utilizes poetic freedom and gives tongue-in-cheek references during random parts of the songs (musically – check out the pseudo-country intro of “My Name”), but somehow never forgets that the songs must be good to begin with. While snidely crooning sarcasm such as “we write the songs you like in half the time” (“Play the C Chord”) or “No More Shows,” Starflyer 59 still punctures the listener’s emotional defense shield with yearning vocals, slithering melodies, and face-in-hands tragedy that’s all too beautiful. During “20 Dollar Bills,” “Just Try,” or “The Party,” it becomes increasingly difficult not to imagine an elongated death scene in a romance movie. The slow-paced, warm atmosphere of the songs provide a sense of tiredness that engulfs you, making you feel every inch of the singer’s burden. Subtlety, they say, can sometimes be more overbearing. It seems that Starflyer 59 has learned it well (by themselves or from Radiohead). Everybody Makes Mistakes is a beautiful, moving record that will train you in the arts of sarcasm and emotional hardships. And you’ll love not being able to get up after it has finished with you.
(www.toothandnail.com)