Now Hear This! The Asteroid #4 — “Tricks of the Trade” (1999)
Around the turn of the century, Philadelphia was on drugs.
Or so it seems any way. Evidence points to the huge uprising of bands that willfully gave themselves a “psychedelic” tag, culminating in the compilation and subsequent release of Sounds of Psychedelphia> by the U.K. label Rocket Girl.
The compilation itself is hit and miss, with some of the bands sounding more like a weak 1960s tincan pop band, rather than a late 90s My Bloody Valentine-inspired wall of sound. There are a few stand out tracks though, and one of them is by The Asteroid #4, who some would argue was at the center of the movement.
Their contribution closed the comp with a four-minute gem called “Tricks of the Trade”; it never strays from its initial jam before devolving into a wash of white noise. When frontman Scott Vittorelli reminds us that “The free world fell/But interest in life will surely prevail,” you want to agree with him: his declaration is flanked by the repetition of sounds that forces memories of artists like Spiritualized, Slowdive and the aforementioned MBV. And while this song probably doesn’t really come close to honestly comparing to these luminaries, it sent a good message to the United States indie rock scene at the time: psychedelia could be cool if we just gave it a little more of a chance.
That the band still exists is a testament to their prowess. They’ve never really achieved the type of success that they probably deserve. Yet, they are still slated to perform come December on the east coast. You have to respect that: ten years and still doing it well.
2 comments
Truth
Holy shit some some musical taste in this town. Bring ‘em in to yer festival then man fuck. Tell em to bring Sunsplit and Will Carruthers with ‘em. “The Amazing Dream” is a great record too…..“into the meadow, I shot my baby with a rifle…..what have I done, is this what I want, to lose you in this way”
a.s.
While you’re at it invite the Cobbs, the War on Drugs, the Capitol Years, and Mazarin.
I’ve got some of their phone numbers if you want em.
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Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
That article almost looks like something out of The Onion
Thanks! I’m looking forward to writing even more….
Yay! Love this! Welcome to the family!
that last photo’s a doozie, Chris. good work.
that city center house show was one of those life-affirming things.
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“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
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*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.
Okay, almost 24 hours later and I finally got Issac’s Summer joke. I’m an idiot.
Excellent. I am glad sometimes American dreams are encouraged, rather than stifled.
Swap the dog for a fire pit and it sounds like you’re writing about my back yard. Very nice.
funny, as your summer begins, another Summer ends.
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represent, Matt.