WTMD’s CD of the Week: Dr. Dog’s “Fate”
by Mike Matthews | July 21, 2008 at 6:45 am
Posted in b the paper, entertainment, music
Dr. Dog's 'Fate'
From today’s b, the paper
On its fifth album, Fate, Dr. Dog stays the course. For a band that has received praise for creating intrigue within a world of modern indie-rock, the group has stayed very loyal to its artistic vision and throwback style. A five-piece band from Philadelphia, Dr. Dog has built a strong foundation locally but struggled outside the City of Brotherly Love until My Morning Jacket’s Jim James personally requested the band to open for MMJ a few years back.
Since then, Dr. Dog seems to have found a place in the hearts of many inside the music industry. The group has landed tours opening for Black Keys, Cold War Kids, Wilco, The Strokes and the Raconteurs. While the live show is riveting, the band members have never gone into the studio with the intention of making a record that propels them to the “next” level. Despite major recognition from the press, including an Artist to Watch feature in Rolling Stone, Dr. Dog’s previous album, We All Belong, was a self-produced lo-fi recording that avoided major commercial ideals.
On Fate, Dr. Dog doesn’t totally give in. But it has found a balance. Production-wise, the record is cleaner and much more accessible than anything previous. But at the heart of Fate is a band that harnesses its true artistic vision and lives in the present. Multi-part harmonies, hands clapping and fluttering guitar riffs demand you think Beatles or Beach Boys. However, songs such as “Hang On” and “The Ark” lean more alternative with heavier guitar lines and more aggressive vocals.
It’s been billed by the band as the record Dr. Dog was destined to make. That may be so, and it surely explains the title. Regardless, it’s impressive to see a band stay focused on its artistic vision and not get derailed trying to be something it’s not. Comfortable in its skin, Dr. Dog challenges you with Fate.
Songs from the CD of the Week, Dr. Dog’s Fate, will be playing throughout the week on 89.7 WTMD, public radio from Towson University
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