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 enlarge | Artist: Dr. Dog
Label: PARK THE VAN RECORDS
Category: Music
List Price: $15.98
Buy New: $8.99
You Save: $6.99 (44%)
New (50) Used (14) from $7.49
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 2593
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.2
MPN: 25
UPC: 788377110323
EAN: 0788377110323
ASIN: B0018TAFW0
Release Date: July 22, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: *FACTORY SEALED!! FAST SHIPPING!!
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 6-9 of 9 | | « PREV | | |
 Just a fantastic new record July 27, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
The range of songs is diverse. They sound even more cohesive as a band. They still have their breezey feel with some darker overtones. I agree that Toby and Scott have very different styles and obsessions but they are a great team. Any fans of the previous records will eat this one up. And thanks, Pitchfork, for continuing to write your ill informed and condescending reviews when it comes to this band. Still talking about that New York Times article? Thanks Dr. Dog for another great record!
 What is Old is New on Fate July 25, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
If there ever was a Dr. Dog album that was meant to play all the way through continuously, it is Fate. Most of the songs merge or fade into one another seamlessly. The occasional sound of an old locamotive appears along with lyrics that sometimes reference trains throughout the album. Listening to the album is like being on a train rolling down the tracks and each song is a stop in a new town. Dr. Dog takes us on a journey back in time to explore common lyrical themes including religion, friendship, love, life and death without any mention of anything modern throughout the album. The songwriters share common Earthly words througout including ground, bones, stones, sand, mud, dirt, rain, wind and snow. Its as if they put themselves back 100 years in time and wrote songs about things that were important back then and probably should be more so today. This all gives the album a strong sense of cohesiveness not often seen in most modern albums.
On Fate it is clear that Scott and Toby's songwriting styles continue to diverge. Toby is continuing to explore darker themes with more use of minor chords. However, Toby's songs on Fate have some silver linings as a bridge or chorus turns to a major key and the vocal harmonies shine through like a bright light at the end of the tunnel. For an excellent example of this check out The Ark, one of my new favorite Dr. Dog songs. With The Ark Toby questions the failed promises of religion and love in minor and diminished chords, eventually resolving to some sweet major key harmonies that just stick around long enough to catch your breath before returning to the darkness of doubt. Interestingly Scott composes songs with similar subject matters but with kinder lyrics, more hope, and a less cynical perspective. While we are seeing a larger contrast in style and substance between Dr. Dog's two songwriters, this only makes the album more interesting. Much like the complimentary styles of Lennon and McCartney, with Dr. Dog the sum is greater than the parts. Despite the Toby and Scott's differences, Dr. Dog's cohesiveness remains strong on Fate because of the shared themes, a limited pallette of instruments and their ubiquitous vocal harmonies which has always been Dr. Dogs best intrument.
Scott and Toby alternate songs on the album with Scott on track one one and Toby on tack two etc...with the exception being the last track of the album called My Friend. This is kind of a two song medley that starts as Toby piece and then about halfway through a new section from Scott cross fades in which takes the album out to its climactic conclusion. It's probably no accident that Scott and Toby chose to end this great album with a shared track titled My Friend. The people who know these guys understand that the music of Dr. Dog is the product of a long friendship between two guys with a common passion to make great music together. The album Fate and its final track would make for a perfect swan song and a compelling way for Dr. Dog to go out in style. But, let's hope it's a sign of even better music to come as Dr. Dog rolls further down the tracks.
Do you feel like you're stuck in time? July 25, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Dr. Dog's fifth album is a continuation of the 60's-style pop hooks that have made the band a favorite among Indie Rock fans. Many of the songs take on a playful feel, similar to Paul McCartney melodies, circa Abbey Road and White Album. Beatles and Beach Boys-like harmonies prevail throughout the record, creating a feel-good ambiance as one song progresses to the next.
Highlights include "The Old Days," whose vaudevillian piano is reminiscent of "Rockie Raccoon." "The Ark" combines a guitar-driven melody with classic Dr. Dog harmonies. "From" provides a melodic hook that grabs you upon your first listen. The track sounds like an outtake from 1967-1969 era Beatles recordings. "The Beach" features a driving guitar and organ and is among the 'hardest' rock Dr. Dog has recorded.
Fans of Dr. Dog's prior work will certainly be pleased with "Fate." Hopefully the band will continue on its recent prolific writing and recording streak.
The Dr. is in.... July 22, 2008
10 out of 22 found this review helpful
If you're reading this, then you are familiar with Dr. Dog already, so please go buy this album. Buy several copies and pass them out to the uninitiated. Buy more copies and leave copies in your neighbors mailboxes. Buy even more and send them to our boys in Iraq, Afghanistan, and any other armpit of the world our soldiers may be. If you're new to Dr. Dog, please buy this album. Then buy 'We All Belong', then buy 'Easy Beat'. And if you can, go see them live. This is an absolutely beautiful album. Army Of Ancients is like a conversation with a loved one long dead. Savoring every word, knowing at some point you will wake up and they will be gone. The Breeze, Hang On, and The Old Days come at you like an old photo album you thought was long lost in a fire years before. The Ark is like a lost Abbey Road song that Lennon/McCartney wrote in a alternate universe where they grew up in Philly instead of Liverpool...From first song to last, this is soul-cleansing music. Music only once heard in your dreams and in childhood memories that may or may not have happened...if music could save us, this would be that music...Dr. Dog, thank you!!!
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