dewey defeats truman - B-Sides, Rarities and Out-Takes - Silver Girl

Review by: Jennifer Perkins

For some reason the words “Out takes and B-Sides” have a negative connotation to them. As if to imply something is second-rate or not quiet as good as an A-side. So I went into the listening experience of dewey defeats truman latest release entitled B-Sides, Rarities and Out-Takes with a little bit of skepticism. I had never heard of this San Diego band or any of their releases, let along rarities. After several listens I came to the conclusion that if this CD is substandard dewey defeats truman (which it is not) I MUST get my hands on the rest of their discography. The trick the band has played on you is there is none. Much like the bands name its all a big farce. B-Sides, Rarities and Out-Takes is dewey defeats truman debut album.

And what a debut album it is. dewey defeats truman (preferably in all lowercase) have studied their Indie rock well. There is a Sebadoh cover as a hidden track to give you some idea. Plus the band is not made up of novices to the scene, 2 of the members of dewey defeats truman were once in Red Dye No. 5. These guys are masters at crafting a fuzzy melodic guitar driven song. The opening song starts with a fury and 8 songs later through tambourines on “Over My Head”, extended instrumental intro’s on “Ditch the Tail Spin ” and great mini guitar solo on “The Silent Deal” things don’t let up much.

One of the things that intrigues me about dewey defeats truman is the fact that I can not figure out what it is about this band that keeps bringing me back for repeat listens. Is it that “deweyrock” thing everyone keeps mentioning? The sound is subtly addictive like they are slipping something into the water when you turn your back. I kept listening to the CD and knowing that it was good, and that other people would like it and all those import characteristics I just could not decide what it was I liked about it. I am actually still perplexed.

Dewey defeats truman’s B-Sides, Rarities and Out-takes does not really remind me of anything or any one band in particular. The hooks, although they are there are not so strong that they keep luring me back in. I really like the vocals, but I don’t find myself singing a long or anything. Is it the fact that they are creating Indie music the way it was intended with a guitar, bass and drums? It was refreshing to hear something without a single moog in the mix. Whatever it is, they are keeping it on the down-low, there is not much about this band that is obvious. Can subtly be addictive?

What it is about dewey defeats truman that makes them a great band, I admittedly don’t know. The important thing is the great part.

Read a review of The Road to Nowhere Maps EP here.

Read where dewey defeats truman got their name from here.

See pictures of dewey defeats truman at SXSW 2002 here.