This is the Huntingtons' sixth studio album for T&N. The Undertones, Screeching Weasels' style that the Huntingtons work with -- being that it is historically entrenched in 60s garage rock and pop and the 70s hard rock "remnant" -- is a more open form in the genre, and allows for more diversity, tempo, volume, range, and pop breadth than its west coast cousin (that arguably has no realistic claim to rock roots). Or, in other words, when an east coast garage band like the Huntingtons, even and especially in this day and age, goes "pop," or the level-jumping appearance thereof, there is not really a conflict in aesthetics. It was always escapist, reactionary rock anyway. And the Huntingtons are trying really hard to spread their pop fantasy wings. This is the first Huntingtons record where a flippant "You know what this sounds like" comment is not appropriate. From the naive "The Last Time That You Left," to the Blondie-loving "80s Girl," to the acousticy, symphonic "If You Only Knew," something of the Ritalin variety got into the water. "Nobody Likes Me" and "Really, Really" are temporary returns to hyperactive form, and well timed in the mix. While there are some awkward "transitional record" moments, how nice to say that you don't totally know what you are going to get on this one.
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Tom BastianThis is the Huntingtons' 6th studio album, their 4th on Tooth and Nail records. Songs in the Key of You was primarily written by Mikey Huntington while the Huntingtons were on tour during the year 2000, without him (yeah sort of like a Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) type deal...but not really). The Huntingtons are one of those bands I have pretty much followed since the beginning of their career. From…Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Travis PersaudThis is the Huntingtons' 6th studio album, their 4th on Tooth and Nail records. Songs in the Key of You was primarily written by Mikey Huntington while the Huntingtons were on tour during the year 2000, without him (yeah sort of like a Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) type deal...but not really). Time certainly does bring change, especially after listening to the new Huntingtons album, "Songs in the Key…Similar sounding releases
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