Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia was the third studio effort from the Portland quartet known as the Dandy Warhols.* There was a three year span between 1997's "Come Down" and this, and the hiatus showed an increased maturity and sophistication level from the band. The songs had deeper meanings lyrically and musically, and showed an enhanced ability to write well structured and thought out songs. The*album is littered with catchy guitar and vocal riffs, in many different styles, ranging from country, to rock, to pop.
The album opener, 'Godless', is a beautifully blended piece of craftmanship, with a mesmerising trumpet riff over a perfectly*placed and written*chord progression. This song epitomises the basis of the album and cites many different influences such as pop and*salsa.*The only other track with trumpet prominence is the uplifting 'Cool Scene', with a samba-esque solo, and an unforgettably catchy vocal melody in the chorus.
Country-rock influences are evident in tracks such as 'Country Leaver',*'Horse Pills', and 'The Gospel'. The first has a boot stampin', hand clappin' sing-a-long*sound*pulsing throughout its duration, which leaves you to reminisce 'bout all things country. The*second is more rock oriented and a single, with a heavily distorted chorus riff, and a weird off-key sounding guitar line in the verse. Courtney's vocals are close to flawless throughout this song, and the entire album in general.
'The Gospel' is a very slow and sleepy tune, with*ultra-melodic harmonising throughout. Another similar*track*is 60's pop oriented 'Sleep', with more hypnotic guitar riffage that could easily put you to sleep.
Single territory is mainly clumped together, with tracks*like 'Get Off', 'Bohemian Like You', and*'Horse Pills' (already previously mentioned). Both 'Get Off' and 'Bohemian Like You' are fiendishly catchy pop anthems, the type that get stuck in your head for days after that first listen.
In the same mould is 'Shakin'', with its heavy main riff and synth in the background, with Courtney singing over the top in a deepened voice: "...and I still can't help but want you back back back back back...".
To conclude, this is a top notch effort, and undoubtedly the best by the Warhols. With catchiness galore at every turn, listeners are in for a real treat when they choose to cash in on this masterpiece of an alternative/pop*album.
Album highlights include:
Godless
Country Leaver
Solid
Get Off
Bohemian Like You
Shakin'
That was very tough to do, seeing as there are so many good tracks, but I felt that I had to try condense them all down to*the best 6. Remarks, comments, dissing, whatever, welcome.
Peace out, Shaun.
