Dr. Dog is releasing a new album titled Dr. Dog. From my overthinking everything perspective, I find it interesting to title an album after the band, especially when they have been creating music for over twenty years. I ask myself, What does it mean? But we’ll get back to that.
Listening with My Ears
The album starts with “Authority.” Wordplay, right? They are clearly and loudly setting the tone for Dr. Dog with authority. It’s upbeat and reminiscent of Spoon, with a bit of LCD Soundsystem percussion. I love the full sound. It is a great way to start an album.
They have my attention when “Lost Ones” begins, and like “Authority,” the song keeps me interested with little changes here and there. It’s like walking along the street during carnival; the theme is the same, but different moments make up a complete whole. In fact, being the third album I’ve reviewed in the last ten days, it makes me wonder what type of music I am really drawn to.
Brijean is working musicians who reach me like early Phish, through humor and grooving. I appreciate Cigarettes After Sex because they are concept-based, kind of like Radiohead. Dr. Dog gives me the vibe of Spoon’s Lucifer on the Sofa. Not necessarily in sound, even though they are in the same musical realm, but in the feeling that this album is well-rounded and personal. Although it was a big surprise to me then and still is, I chose Lucifer on the Sofa as my top album in 2022 over some albums I listen to far more often. So . . .
However, then, I ask myself, What about “What a Night’ll Do”? It is much slower and heavy. Although the album started with authority, I cannot help but wonder if uncertainty has settled in. “Tell Your Friends,” “Still Can’t Believe,” and “Fine White Lies” further shift the mood. I went from thinking this might be my summer album to feeling the weight of X’s by Cigarettes After Sex.
“White Dove” picks up the pace a little, but those lyrics. I no longer know what to think. So, I make myself present and accept the feels that come my way.
“Handyman” is an interesting take on the superwoman, the superwife. She can do everything, and she does.
“Love Struck” has a great line: “I can’t get over how we met on another plane in a silhouette.”
Hearing with my Head
I didn’t want to go through each song, but I had to because of the movement of the album. It goes from catchy, upbeat American pop alt-rock to ballad-based indie americana rock. Does that mean “Authority” was ironic? Is this a lyric-based album searching for discovery, for something to believe in? Is the “White Dove,” the “Handyman,” and love the actual authority? Of? One’s present? Their soul?
Although some lyrics loosely connect to more significant, universal concepts, they mostly revolve around intimate, personal reflections on the people and things that mean the most to the band members and directly affect them. The music element works as their creativity connector. Within that environment, the Dr. Dog members have built a safe space that allows them to express their innermost thoughts and feelings.
This circles me back to my initial question; What does the album’s title mean? Is Dr. Dog the band’s defining album?
Final Thought: The vulnerability of Dr. Dog is the album’s greatness. Musically, listeners already know they are talented. They have experimented, tweaked, and developed their sound. The sharing of intimate details about who they have become as adults makes this album.
Favorite Songs: “Authority,” “Lost Ones,” and “Fat Dog.”
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 (although I think they will find a lot of success with this album)
Comments