the morning papers have given us the vapours

 

The Black Watch

the morning papers have given us the vapours

(Dell’Orso) 

The black watch released two albums in short succession this year and both are worth an investment.  The morning papers have given us the vapours was the first and is the more traditional release – full of their unique smart indie pop that seems to come from a limitless well.  The other album, weird rooms, is also excellent, but it’s the morning papers that has given me the vapors (sorry).  John Andrew Fredrick has guided this band for a long time, and I was lucky enough to join the entertaining ride ever since I bought one of their early 7” singles simply because it had a picture of Natalie Wood on the cover back in 1993.  All these years later, I still love the 80s era Church/Cure/Go-Betweens vibe that they produce. 

 

I’m not eloquent enough to explain in any interesting way why the black watch are so appealing, except to say that they feel like a longtime friend.  From that first chance listen, I found their songs addictive in the best way.  By that I mean, they fit neatly into my palette sonically, and are always thought-provoking lyrically and most importantly, I want to hear their songs again and again.  Some more than others.  The past six years have found them, in my estimation, on a hot streak.  A wider variety of sounds has crept in, along with more female vocals and string arrangements, which remind more of their incredible early releases.

Speaking of which, the pre-LP single (included here) “oh, do shut up,” is sung by Kesha Rose and is a perfect kiss off to any narcissist that might be making you feel bad about yourself.  It’s one of the best songs of the year and it feels so damn satisfying.  Not to be confused with their 2021 LP here and there, “there & here” is another buzzing great!  Actually, there’s not a weak moment here.  The matching guitar melody with some “doo-doo-da-doos” are alluring on the opening “new brooms sweep clean,” “sorry so far” sounds like a highlight from a Grant McLennan album, and who can ignore the pop perfection of “more lies from the government.”  “The morning papers” closes the album with a wonderful frantic strummer that is urgent, bitter and fun as hell to sneer/sing-a-long with. 

I can honestly say that in 1993 I did not look ahead and ponder what I’d be doing thirty years later, but unsurprisingly, I still look longingly at pictures of Natalie Wood when I encounter one, and listen to the black watch.  I’m okay with that.

(https://theblackwatch.bandcamp.com/)

 

 

the black watch "oh do shut up"