The Days of Lore

Do NOT miss the BOAT

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 | musiX | 1 Comment

… I kinda missed the boat on Pavement. I heard it in the peripheral from my friends, but I refused to enjoy it … what can I say, I’m stubborn. It wasn’t until years later—during a year of studying in Spain—that I voraciously devoured the band’s entire catalog through a pair of Sony headphones, getting tangled up in those ramshackle melodies and Stephen Malkmus‘ bone-dry musings.

Since the release of 2006’s Songs That You Might Not Like Seattle’s BOAT has worn the—dare I use the word—slacker badge with relish (the word I dared use was slacker, not relish). It’s written all over BOAT vocalist/guitarist D. Crane’s lyrics, which at times border on being too clever. The band’s latest record Setting the Paces (out Oct. 27 on Magic Marker) delivers more of the same. Crane’s cutesiness comes dangerously close to ruining a good thing (OK, not that close), and he comes dangerously close to sounding like Mr. Malkmus (no, he really does). But dammit if the tunes aren’t beautifully messy and fun—sorta like my bedroom as a child. And that, my imaginary friend, is one heck of an endorsement.

“We’ve Been Friends Since 1989″ - BOAT

“God Save the Man Who Isn’t All That Super” - BOAT

Tags: BOAT, D. Crane, Magic Marker Records, Pavement, Setting the Paces, Songs That You Might Not Like