Dr. Dog - Shame, Shame

Wed 26th May, 2010 in Music Reviews

Never ever try to pigeon hole the dulcet tones of Philadelphian musical collective, Dr. Dog. Try as you might, it’s a stretch to associate any particular genre to their sound.

As such, the results of their recordings speaks volumes for this approach of incorporating enough variation to keep the label-buzzards well away from the Dr. Dog meat. Shame, Shame the band’s debut for Anti-Records and their third record in four years showcases, more than ever, the band’s musical growth and knack for writing seriously addictive songs.

Following on from 2007’s quirky West Coast psych We All Belong and 2008’s more streamlined and introspective Fate, Shame, Shame is Dr. Dog’s most complete record to date.

Seems like all the touring alongside luminaries the likes of Wilco and My Morning Jacket over the past five years has rubbed off on the band with Shame, Shame capturing an aura that both these band’s have in terms of musical arrangement and songwriting sensibilities. More organs, more The Band-eque harmonies and a sweeping groove, Dr. Dog also work over some tasty Krautrock style guitars throughout Shame, Shame to help steer their latest great on its eclectic path.

Vocalist/guitarist Scott McMicken and bass player/vocalist Toby Leaman lead Dr. Dog across eleven diverse tunes, that while encompassing a woozy-roots feel at their heart, oscillate between early Flaming Lips and Daniel Johnston on the Dan Auerbach co-written Shadow People, to The Band (Station) and then onto a little Motown three-part harmony (Unbearable Why).

All this and more, before closer, Shame, Shame (featuring My Morning Jacket’s Yim James aka Jim James on a little vocal) taps into British pop crooners Suede’s, She’s In Fashion; Shame, Shame (the song, not the album as a whole) recalling an eerily similar feel to the classic tune. Sublime musicianship the record’s feature, Shame, Shame rightfully earns its place as one of the records of 2010 so far.