The Whales - "Music Should Be Seen And Not Heard"
(Best Kept Secret, LIE 045, Cassette)
The Whales - "Music Should Be Seen And Not Heard"
(Best Kept Secret, LIE 045, Cassette)
From Aural Innovations #22 (January 2003)
I've got limited info but it seems that The Whales are primarily one Joel Tannenbaum who I believe is based in Philadelphia. The music on Music Should Be Seen And Not Heard is most definitely heard. And though there are 11 tracks listed the music moves seamlessly from one track to the next, almost like segues through acts of a film, continually changing the mood and feel to fit with the action or storyline. I hear drifting pop-psych that reminded me of a quirky Velvet Underground sound. There's trademark lo-fi strumming guitars. Simple but effective, and often very strong, melodies. Lots of interesting fun and freaky effects that embellish the main themes. And continually varying themes ranging from somber to uplifting, haunting to fun. The strength of this music is in the whole taken together. There's a note in the tray card saying "The Whales want to score your independent film". It's clear from the path the music on this tape follows from beginning to end that they would be a good choice.
Email The Whales at: whalestation@hotmail.com.
For more information you can visit the Best Kept Secret web site at:
http://www.indiepages.com/bestkeptsecret.
Contact via snail mail c/o Alessandro Crestani; via Biron di Sotto; 101-36100 Vicenza; Italy.
Reviewed by Jerry Kranitz