The Fratellis' Costello MusicWhen I first heard about The Fratellis, I was pretty skeptical. Ever since The Libertines imploded, NME has heralded the UK's next big band, and usually they've been a bore. For every genuinely good act like the Arctic Monkeys, there have been ten more disappointments like Razorlight, The Kooks, Babyshambles, and Louis XIV. The Fratellis are deserving of their buzzworthy status. The Glasgow threesome —Jon Fratelli (vocals/guitar), Mince Fratelli (drums/vocals), and Barry Fratelli (bass)—formed in 2005. The Fratelli name is supposedly Barry's mother's surname, but then again, I wouldn't believe a word these kids say. What I would do is jump around life a fool to nearly every single track. They don't reach for epic melodrama. They don't pull superstar poses. They just play happy light music. I'm a sucker for clever word play and melody. In "Flathead" Jon sings: "Just because she feeds me well; And she made me talk dirty in a pink hotel; Doesn't mean she's got eyes for me; She might just want my bones you see." Quirky, dancy, and melodic could be used to label nearly every song on the record. The track "Whistle for the Choir" walks the line between romantic and jester with lines like "And though I may be a beggar; And you may be the queen; Though I may be on a downer I'm still ready to dream." The track "Henrietta" explores seducing a housewife, and virtually every song is in some way light-hearted fare about dealing with the fairer sex. If you're in the mood for depth you're better off listening to Saul Williams. The Fratellis' strength is following in the footsteps of fellow Glasgowians Franz Ferdinand and Belle & Sebastian. Franz has made a career of solid indie rock, reworking eighties sounds enough for kids to dance to today. Belle & Sebastian are better than anyone else, except maybe the Lucksmiths, in telling a story no matter how tragic in a way that will keep you grinning. The only big complaint I have with Costello Music is the replacing of "Cuntry Boys and City Girls" on the American album. I admit the title isn't the greatest pun, but it was the second best track on the original album, the best being "Chelsea Dagger," dedicated to Jon's wife who was a burlesque dancer. Any song that can get approval from a party of hipsters and make my mom smile is a tune worth saving. Whether at their concert or alone in the car, The Fratellis compel you to sing along at the top of your lungs. Go out right now and add it to your summer commute play list, and everyday will be sunshine and mimosas. The music isn't eternal, but it sure is a lot of fun. I give the album 3.5 stars. CD Reviewed by Justin Le Mort |
