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Review of Moron Parade Sleep Hat from Cuts the Meat

Another paper sleeve CD-R, another interesting LP. How are the record labels missing this stuff? There are some truly interesting bands out there that aren't getting the credit they deserve. Sure, the packaging ain't pretty, but how does that old parable go? You shouldn't judge a chicken by the color of its feathers, right? HA! Man, chickens never get old.

Seattle's Moron Parade has put together twenty-one incredibly thoughtful tracks on their second self-released, all DIY album Sleep Hat. They have that very unique quality in an indie band that breeds success. Each track seems to ring a different bell. "Bronze" uses a strangely wa-wa'd guitar and some quick-yelling a la Modest Mouse. "Chard" has lovely harmonies reminiscent of the lo-fi anthems from Guided By Voices. "Harpo" paints a quizzical picture using layered, octave vocals and an afterthought of an electric piano that recalls Vic Chesnutt. "Chunk" is a quite, scaling disco instrumental verve. "Fexture" is a startling rocker with classic 70s front-pickup guitar tone and very catchy lyrics. "Flutter" reeks of Pavement from their glory years, using a ringing, minor-keyed guitar with a great, Sebadoh chorus. "Twen" continues the Sebadoh theme at first, with a great, Barlow-esque descending riff that leads into a quick yell of a chorus before closing. "Jumbo Mambo" packs the disco groove again, complete with synthesized violin and rhythmic vocals. The instrumental "Rogue" jams one of Sonic Youth's favorite chords for an impressive conclusion to the track.

Don't let all of the comparisons fool you. The guys in Moron Parade are making some truly unique music. Throughout this album I'm repeatedly impressed by the dynamics it creates. Each song manufactures a different mood; everything from pissed off to playful to sexy to mournful. These songwriters thoughtfully mull up tunes that express the colors of daily life without throwing it in your face.

There are a few lulls in the album. "Flurb" runs a repetitive Hawaiian groove that has never struck my fancy, but it keeps me interested despite my bias. "Lonjh/14" is a Phish-esque instrumental that I might have liked in college, but don't have much patience for now. "Jog" is a slow, wordless piece with a quietly strummed guitar that sounds vaguely hymnal. There are several instrumentals, which may expose a weakness in lyric writing that is typical of young bands. More often than not, there are lyrics, and they are plenty interesting. The excellent "Fexture" proclaims "Oh you! Try to get over / way to get under / there's no way around this. Fuck you! / Is that what you're asking / as long as your asking / might as well taste this. Calm down! Reason for anger / searching for danger / get down on paper," before summarizing with "There's no better time then now!" "Blog8" runs a mantra of "Every time I turn around, I see you standing there" along with a lo-fi wall of over-driven guitar.

For the most part, you're reading a rave review. Moron Parade has got what it takes. They are unique and interesting. Their hooks are plentiful and riveting. I just hope that when they get signed the quality studio equipment doesn't corrupt their sound.
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