The Dandy Warhols - SmokeIt

Mon 5th Sep, 2005 in Music Reviews

Some would argue Smoke It is a return to form for The Dandy Warhols. Welcome to the Monkey House went back to the future, and with the aid of Duran Duran and David Bowie, Taylor-Taylor and company were almost lost in a world eighties synth. Despite the absence of guitar – a sound that had shaped the Dandy’s music for its first three albums, the group’s ability to write a hook still remained intact. The catchy chorus and the attitude (the oh so ironic attitude), that’s evident is so much of the Dandy’s work, all comes together once again Smoke It. As infectious as ever, the first single from the forthcoming album Odditorium Or Warlords Of Mars reveals to listeners that Pete Holmstrom has found his guitar and The Dandy’s jangle has returned! 

Smoke It sounds a little like The Velvet Underground, a little like The Rolling Stones, and it threatens to fall apart at any moment.  Yet it works. The awkward blues inspired solo wanders off key like a man trying stumble his way to the bar – it eventually finds it’s way though, and the journey there makes it all the more interesting for it. What appears to at first glance to be a shambles, gels into a three and a half minute slice of rock mayhem.   

Sounding very much under the influence, Courtney Taylor-Taylor rambles through verses, almost incomprehensible at stages. Whilst his tongue is placed firmly in cheek, one wouldn’t be surprised if his advice of

“alimony and palimony, just don’t get drunk in vegas
 at least not with waitresses from any of those places”

comes from first hand experience. It’s hard to work out if this is send up, a tribute, or critique of the rock star attitude that is sadly lacked by many these days, but ultimately the infectious chorus of Smoke It draws you to the party. Shouts and hollers echo in the background, Zia’s backup vocals beg to be sung along to, and by the time Courtney asks for a round of applause

“for all the brother and sisters
 and the brothers mothers and the sisters other mothers
 and the other brothers sisters.
 As well as anyone, anyone whose here”

it’s hard to wipe the smile off your face.

Produced by frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor with long-time band collaborator Gregg Williams and mixed by Tchad Blake (Elvis Costello, Latin Playboys, The Bad), it’s refreshing to hear the band return to the sound that they play so well. The Dandy Warhols have produced some slick, smart, pop singles in their time.  If you enjoyed Cool As Kim Deal, Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth or Bohemian Like You, Smoke It is definitely one to check out.