Jason Schwartzman (yes, that Jason Schwartzman of Rushmore, Darjeeling Limited, and HBO's Bored to Death fame) heads a band called Coconut Records that released a gem of an album in early 2009 that I believe has gone undeservedly overlooked.
On Davy, Coconut Records employs a Beatles-esque pop formula, with a very staight-forward arrangement of drums, guitar and some piano. They are pure and simple pop tunes with nearly every song clocking in under 3 minutes. Even the song titles are intentionally uncomplicated and short, generally limited to one or two words. If you are a fan of Schwartzman's works, you will appreciate his wry, ironic humor peeking out throughout the record, including the chorus, "I was a drummer in a band that you heard of." This album could seemlessly fit into any of Wes Anderson's movies. And given that Schwartzman has starred in several, it makes perfect sense.
Despite being an actor first, Schwartzman certainly has a knack for making pop tunes with great hooks and a lot of heart, sometimes with a wink. I guarantee this song, Microphone, will get stuck in your head. Isn't that the sign of a pop song achieving its goal?
Give it a listen and enjoy.
Coconut Records - "Microphone"
I'm a fan of all things Schwartzman and couldn't agree more. If you can find it, I highly recommend the RAC remix of Coconut Records' "Nighttiming." The original song is excellent, but this remix (I have no idea who RAC is) is just awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I found that remix on Soundcloud. Great call. For what it's worth, RAC appears to be Remix Artist Collective.
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