The Like "Release Me" is indeed likable

Message Bookmarked
Bookmark Removed

Couldn't find a thread about them because searching for "like" here comes up with more hits than at a valley girl convention. Apparently, we merely *like* music. Still, sorry if this is a repeat...

Here's the timeline:

A friend links to this video in his Facebook page:

Immediately I knew that it was everything that my wife would dig, her being a huge fan of early '60s retro thanks to her adoration of "Mad Men" and also a lover of rock music one can dance to. Sure enough, she indeed fell in love with this and the other awesome clip from the album:

At this point, though, I am wondering if they are trying too hard to recreate this '60s vibe, but I'm in too deep, as is Ms. Native, so I must pick up the CD. Which I do, used, for the princely sum of $7 on eBay, and now I own this:

Even the packaging fits in perfectly! The front cover is Nancy Sinatra cool, the back cover sees them all in Black & White turtlenecks - you expect to see Andy Warhol leering at them from behind.

Listening now, I am convinced thay they are indeed trying too hard, but I also really don't care since it's such a fun and easy listen! Plus the production - courtesy of Mark Ronson - brings things back to the future, somewhat, by pushing the percussion way up in the mix on a few tracks (and clashing it nicely with keys and dated bass thump) making it sound like technicolor compared to the intentionally dated black and white that permeates not just a lot of the band's visual imagery but the sound itself.

I think the "trying too hard" might be a function of being (and being written off as) daughters of famous music biz moguls/musicians and to be fair I never heard their 2005 debut. I might track it down but it won't be this awesome, no way, though I am open to other opinions on the disc.

Besides, since when is trying hard a sin? Beats the alternative, methinks.

Anyone else like The Like?

NYCNative, Wednesday, 23 February 2011 18:54 (2 years ago) Permalink

Anyone else like The Like?

I do now. Thanks for the tip!

that's not funny. (unperson), Wednesday, 23 February 2011 19:00 (2 years ago) Permalink

I picked up their debut and it was absolutely nothing like this latest, which I like, but it had its own charm. The band started out as a trio, all three of the women being the daughters of some old pros: Z. Berg (record exec Tony Berg), Charlotte Froom (producer Mitchell Froom) and Tennessee Thomas (Attractions drummer Pete Thomas). Froom left the band and this is sort of a regrouping under the guidance of Mark Ronson.

First single from the debut record was really good:

Du Musst Calamari Werden (Phil D.), Wednesday, 23 February 2011 19:15 (2 years ago) Permalink

Yeah, I can't really imagine listening to them in their original form when I could be listening to Girl in a Coma instead. But this second album is killer.

that's not funny. (unperson), Wednesday, 23 February 2011 19:17 (2 years ago) Permalink

Love this album.

A. Begrand, Wednesday, 23 February 2011 19:49 (2 years ago) Permalink

Saw them play last Saturday night. A lot of fun, even though Z's voice was shot. They did nothing from the 1st album ... :-(

Tony Abbott : shit happening (SeekAltRoute), Wednesday, 23 February 2011 20:26 (2 years ago) Permalink

I guess they're distancing themselves from it?

NYCNative, Wednesday, 23 February 2011 20:28 (2 years ago) Permalink

BTW, NYCNative, you are the former SDMB regular known as "Satan," yes?

Du Musst Calamari Werden (Phil D.), Wednesday, 23 February 2011 20:31 (2 years ago) Permalink

Actually, I am! How did you know? More importantly, how did you get here?

NYCNative, Wednesday, 23 February 2011 20:44 (2 years ago) Permalink

I'm former SDMB poster pldennison! I've been here! For years!

Du Musst Calamari Werden (Phil D.), Wednesday, 23 February 2011 20:47 (2 years ago) Permalink

Holy shit! I was just thinking of you and your wife not long ago! Hope both of you are well... I still have my old email address so hit me up! Would love to catch up!

NYCNative, Wednesday, 23 February 2011 20:51 (2 years ago) Permalink

1 year passes...

Just learned about this band yesterday, and now they're on hiatus. Amazon told me if I like The Muffs I would like The Like, and I do, in both incarnations but especially the second, 60s-referencing one. "He's Not A Boy" is a great song, and a really fun video. Every decade can use a new Pandoras/early Bangles imo.

Advanced Uncle Meat recovery system (Dan Peterson), Wednesday, 16 May 2012 14:07 (1 year ago) Permalink


You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.