Review: Passion Pit – Manners
Passion Pit - Manners (2009) [Frenchkiss] // Grade: C+
I was all set to copy and paste my Harlem Shakes Technicolor Health review for this album because let’s face it, like that album, this is nothing more a dumbed down version of what makes MGMT, & Phoenix good, catchy and interesting bands. But you know what? I have a heart and after a few more listens that initial distaste has dissipated and what I’m left with is an almost staggering amount infectious songs that I want to dislike, but just don’t have it in me to. I have to tip my cap to any band that can cook a Hipster Hot Pot with such a blatant disregard for ingenuity yet still have it come off this enjoyable… manipulative, a bit ingenious yes… but still wholly enjoyable. Sure, this may all sound like a backhanded compliment, but know that while I may be sardonic in discussing such things, I do not take my guilty pleasures lightly at all!
Truthfully when it’s all said and done these are the sort of songs custom tailored for the next edgy Gap, iPod, Car Campaign and/or Jimmy Fallon appearance and the people who buy into them. But being able to craft this many of them onto one album earns you a special ring in Hell right?
May 15th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
It seems that a lot of these bands are just providing a toolset to make great music, without quite being able to do it themselves. Case in point: Calvin Harris’ remix of The Reeling… So so so much better than the original, and yet not too far off.