Stop Dipping Your Toes In

I’ve never really been a huge fan of Smashing Pumpkins, although I do respect the musical stylings of anyone who is, as well as the success of their music, I like to think I’m still young enough for Cheap Trick to be before my time, I only know of one Fountains of Wayne song and I never really listened whenever a Hanson song played (even though the radio station I was an announcer on at the time was sending a nation of 14 year olds Mmm bopping through an awkward pubescence).

When I first heard of Tinted Windows I have to say I was perplexed, stuck somewhere between wow what an eclectic, diverse range of musicians and OH my god James Iha has sold out to the girl from Hanson.

But I have to say Adam Schlesinger does have the power pop writing gene ingrained in his DNA and as principal songwriter in this project I find myself singing along to his toe tapping, infectious, poptasticness and telling everyone exactly what kind of a girl she is.  Taylor Hansons vocal is inoffensive and very easy to hang out with and James Iha and Bun E Carlos in particular add a kind of cool groove to the whole package. To me it’s quirky, fun and a goodtime. With members from such diverse backgrounds I guess it should come as no surprise that the reactions to Tinted Windows has been remarkably diverse, to the point of polarizing. I don’t think its nausea inducing causing me to lie on the ground cradling my knees rolling back and forth nor do I want to sacrifice my first born while I get rained upon by Tinted Windows awesomeness, but these appear to be common reactions from people who have had early listens to the first album from this super group. They either love it or they hate it.

To the lovers enjoy, this is a snappy, faux 80s, power pop project and good on you for embracing it. To the Haters you just need to stop trying to look it at ironically or trying to find it’s deeper meaning, It’s pop music there is no deeper meaning and it’s not trying to be ironic. The only way to enjoy Tinted Windows is to jump right in, regress to MC Hammer pants, Kung Fu shoes and a time when music was just a way to express yourself. Stop dipping your toes put on your skinny tie and jump on into it.

posted by The In Sound From Way Out