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The Januaries


Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

Ethereal ectronica &electronica!

Status:

Most recent release, The Januaries (2000)

See also:

Foodchain Records' The Januaries site

Comparisons:

The first image that came to mind was that I was witnessing a crossing of Stereolab doing the Bossa Nova. I kept getting the sense that I was in an airport, but in a nice way. (Anachro1@pacbell.net)

Covers/own material:

Own

General comments:

A good earthy vocal, but not overdoing it in that 'utter disdain' style of singing that is so popular these days. A voice with the cool darkness of Nico housed with the punk sassiness of Blondie (Ooops; did I just age myself?). Not a great voice, but it's well matched with the music.
      Great guitar work, and not burdened with too many gimmicks. The lyrics are good poetry. (Anachro1@pacbell.net)

The Januaries drip with cool. The kind of cool associated with groovy, lounge acts, turtlenecks and James Bond-theme vocalists. This six-piece is led by the cool (there's that word again) vocals of Debbie Diamond. For some reason, the comparison that keeps springing to mind is the mid-eighties Brit-pop band, The Primitives, vocally, and to a lesser extent musically. Instrumentation is varied, using layered, electronic keyboards, heavy distorted guitar and soaring brass. The Cardigans-style lounge music mixed with middle-eastern riffs á la Supreme Beings of Leisure. (colford@chlotrudis.org)

Recommended first album:

The Januaries is their debut

Recordings:

The Januaries (2000)

The Januaries

Release info:

2000—Foodchain Records—54394-2

Availability:

Wide

Ecto priority:

Recommended

Group members:

Debbie Diamond—vocals, guitar
Rick Boston—guitar, bass, background vocals, programming
John Nau—keyboards, synthesizers, background vocals, programming, horn arrangement
Mitch Maker—trumpets, flugel horn
Petur Smith—drums, percussion, background vocals
Tobias Kroon—bass

Guest artists:

Richard Hardy—bass clarinet, flute, alto flute on 1 track
Andrew Scheps—loop programming on 1 track
Glen Holman—bass on 1 track
Peter Thomas—percussion on 1 track
Ken Chastian—additional percussion

Produced by:

John Fields and Rick Boston

Comments:

I would buy this record in a minute! See general comments about for more specific comments about the album. (Anachro1@pacbell.net)

Standout tracks include "Summer of Love," "Chocolate and Strawberries," "Love Met the Devil," and the ultra-fab "All Systems a go go." Lyrics are sexy and clever, and Diamond's laidback delivery is sublime. (colford@chlotrudis.org)


Further info:

Email thejans@foodchainrecords.com

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DISCLAIMER: Comments and reviews in the Ectophiles' Guide are excerpted from the ecto mailing list or volunteered by members of the list. They are the opinions of music enthusiasts, not professional music critics.

Entry last updated 2009-01-17 11:19:54.
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