she smelled like trees.: "To celebrate the fact that Mates of State will be playing the Hi-Tone next month, I thought it was only appropriate I recommend one of my favorite songs of theirs - this endearing, playful cover of Nico's [J..."   more

she smelled like trees.: "To celebrate the fact that Mates of State will be playing the Hi-Tone next month, I thought it was only appropriate I recommend one of my favorite songs of theirs - this endearing, playful cover of Nico's [Jackson Browne-penned] tune, "These Days." It opens with a tambourine shake, and then comes the synthesized - what is that? - either xylophone with a very soft mallet or, possibly, marimba. Either way, it's bouncy and settles into a very pleasing balance with the tambourine. And that's it kids: just tambourine, xylorimba [shaddup, that could totally be a real thing!], voices and a well-placed dash of cymbal brushwork later: super simple and very effective. As far as the voicing goes: for as long as I can remember, I've always heard in my head [and frequently sang aloud, hehe] this one particular harmony I wish were on the original record during the chorus, "theeeeeeeeese daaaaaaays." And, lo and behold, Kori nails it! It's the first cover of "These Days" I've ever heard in which the vocal lines perfectly match with what I've been cooking up in my brain. I'm certainly not going to say MofS have trumped Nico [or Jackson Browne's very sturdy rendition], but this is a fantastic little cover; I just love it. And for anyone who wants to pick it up, it's available for download in the archives on Daytrotter, from their '06 session. [The show's June 15th, so come down to Memphis and buy me a beer. Thanks a million.] "

Xx-i-voted-bush-xX: "again another classic"

Xx-i-voted-bush-xX: "again another classic"

Andrew O: "Mates' husband and wife duo of Kori Gardner (vocals, keyboards) and Jason Hammel (drums, vocals) are not as innovative or experimental as Y lo Tengo. That said, Mates of State do succeed in creating a unique..."   more

Andrew O: "Mates' husband and wife duo of Kori Gardner (vocals, keyboards) and Jason Hammel (drums, vocals) are not as innovative or experimental as Y lo Tengo. That said, Mates of State do succeed in creating a unique sonic landscape from which exuberant pop nuggets emerge. The impossibly catchy opening track, "Think Long," presents a good idea what to expect from the rest of the album: a simple yet full-sounding organ and drums combo that merges 80s pop sensibilities with indie spirt."

T: "Talking about fetish!. =)"

T: "Talking about fetish!. =)"

c0tter: "Put on your headphones, listen really close... right before this song begins there is an homage to "A Mighty Wind" – Wha Happen?"

c0tter: "Put on your headphones, listen really close... right before this song begins there is an homage to "A Mighty Wind" – Wha Happen?"