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Boost That Ego

In all the years that I wrote for Alternative Press and Bust, it was next to impossible to see my writing have any impact whatsoever, which was one of the big reasons that I decided to drop that from my life. Of course, part of the problem was that I wasn't a great writer, as frustration and cliche proved time and again to be enormous stumbling blocks to navigate past. But every now and again, a review would come out that I'd be happy to put my name to.

My last AP review was one of those lucky accidents where it all came together, writing about a new DFA band called Free Energy. Once I let my cynical side evaporate (which took a listen or two), I was left with the fun and enthusiasm that the band were putting out, and that was pretty easy to capture with even my limited syntax. The published review is below:

FREE ENERGY ***1/2
Stuck On Nothing

File under: DFAzed and Confused

The ‘70s are often derisively called the “Me Decade,” as if solipsistic pursuits were vices instead of virtues. While the DFA canon of introspective disco has preserved the best ass-shakin’ moments of that oft-maligned time, it’s quite a shock to hear actual ‘70s parking-lot rawk from one of their flock. With sonic stability provided by producer James Murphy, Stuck On Nothing is a fun fetishistic foray into crunchy glam (“Dream City”), buzzing new wave (“Light Love”), and enough on-target post-millennial AOR to make Weezer burn a thousand Snuggies in envy. Refreshingly retro without being anachronistic, Free Energy bursts with unironic sun-flecked highs, classic rock from 8-track heaven.

(Astralwerks/DFA; astralwerks.com)

Go Download: “All I Know”

So I'm still on a lot of publicity mailing lists, and when I opened up a message about Free Energy, I saw the following:

Introducing Free Energy...

Stuck on Nothing by Free Energy is OUT NOW.

"It totally f*****g rules. Lighters up!" - Rolling Stone

"Free Energy burst with unironic sun-flecked highs - it's classic rock from 8-track heaven." - Alternative Press

Join fans Zane Lowe and Fearne Cotton and hear it for yourself now or watch their debut on Late Show with David Letterman.

I guess if you're going to go out, that's a nice way to do it, even if only a few people see it. Just like this blog.

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