Silver Scooter Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
There's little in Silver Scooter's earlier LPs and singles to suggest the quantum leap forward made by The Blue Law: as atmospheric, sophisticated, and nuanced as previous outings were charmingly raw and unrefined, the album consolidates the band's myriad influences -- everyone from R.E.M. to New Order to Pavement -- into their own distinctively laconic yet gripping sound. The subtle but palpable tension at the heart of Scott Garred's best songs infuses the entire disc with a gnawing sense of resignation and foreboding; couched by richly textured guitar lines and sinewy rhythms, Garred narrates his knowing tales of ill-fated romance in a voice that's equal parts curiosity and bemusement. When he intones "I know I'm not original, or even typical" on The Blue Law's stunning opener, "Goodbye," the moment crystallizes Silver Scooter's appeal -- though in one sense the sum of their influences, the group nevertheless channels the lessons of their inspirations into something not at all commonplace, and most of all uniquely theirs. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Silver Scooter's second full-length album, 1999's Orleans Parish, continues in the style they established with 1997's The Other Palm Springs: catchy, driving indie pop with lyrics alternately sad and hopeful. The drums are restrained and simple, laying a solid foundation on which the guitar and bass build shining melodies. Songs such as "Sleight of Hand" and "Cancer & Wide-Eyed Looks" are both melancholy and catchy, the at times mournful lyrics balanced by the bouncing instrumentation. "Deliver Me Driver" could be a letter from a Silver Scooter fan, the narrator singing, "I love your songs/they're filled with melody and melancholy." This, in fact, is the essence of this Austin band: emotional songs often touching on themes of loss and loneliness, but delivered in such a way that makes these things not seem so bad. ~ Brandon Gentry, All Music Guide
'The Other Palm Springs'
Release Date 11/24/1999
Tracks 14
Label Peek-A-Boo
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The 1997 debut by Austin, TX, pop/rock band Silver Scooter instantly garnered the band attention from around the indie rock world with its simple and energetic jangle rock. Led by Scott Garred's deadpan vocals and playful guitar work, the disc kicks off with the lively "Tractor Pull." The fresh blend of almost punkish instrumentation and intelligent lyrics almost immediately attracted a diverse audience. The catchy and frantic pace of "Regret Sets In" is quickly followed by a more relaxed mood on "Good Man Down," "Riverbed," and "Catching Fish." That laid-back sound can be found on most of the songs by Garred's solo project, Super XX Man. Fuzz-heavy guitars and pounding drums resurface on "Pumpkin Eyes." The pace continually ebbs and flows throughout the disc, as bassist John Hunt and drummer Tom Hudson provide a solid rhythm section for Garred's brooding guitar. The punk-pop sound of the band is most evident on "Solid Glass," a rollicking song full of compelling and exciting changes. It is followed by the most contemplative song of the group, "10 PM on Saturday Night." In the end, the disc is a solid debut, chronicling Silver Scooter's tight and inventive music with Garred's dedicated and thoughtful vocals. The band's Southern charm is evident throughout. The album was produced by Dave McNair at Baylor Street Studios. Sarah Dougher of Cadallaca and later of the Crabs appears on backing vocals on "Regret Sets In." ~ Stephen Cramer, All Music Guide
