I've been listening to a lot of D-Plan lately and that got me to thinking about Travis' solo effort. I know Pitchfork gave it an uber-crappy review, but I don't put all my eggs in that basket. I really haven't heard anything off of it. But, I ask, how bad can it really be?

Its really bad...

utter, catastrophic failure, at least as far as the execution goes. i think these could have been at best middle-of-the-pack D Plan songs, if given rhythmic treatments by that band's superior rhythm section. what's worse than the album, though, is the live presentation, which was not unlike watching a friend's band do their thing and you're just there because that's what friends do, even though the music sucks. (except that the "friend" in question was clearly trying to antagonize, rather than move (or get moving) the folks who showed up. i respect what Travis is trying to accomplish, but i'll be damned if i'm a fan of it.)

however, i recommend that D Plan fans should check these songs out, just as any Pavement fan should see what Kannberg and Malkmus have done since "the hiatus" started.

KPH

I actually liked the S/T Malkmus album....That Pig Lib, however - OY!

i wasn't implying that either SM or Kannberg had done bad things* since the hiatus, rather that it's just kinda fun to follow where the members of favorite bands end up. i've done the same by giving the Maritime record a chance (and we're trying to pin them down for a show at the Plan next month).

KPH

* well, yeah i was

yeh, travistan is not good.

take off the "tan", and then yeah.

I didn't even give it a listen after seeing his show at the Plan (where were you, newt?)

One of my friends saw Maritime and said they were pretty good, but she bought the album was unimpressed. I heard some of it as well, and I agreed. Pretty boring record.

i'm hoping their live set redeems the bland-as-can-be album. like, where's the spark?

KPH

One of my new years resolutions is to make it to the plan. Honest.

yeah, what's that all about?

KPH

i heard this from victoria too. what did he do during the show?

nothing too outrageous, it was more the "gosh, you guys are so uncool because you're not getting what i'm doing" bitter attitude that backed up his banter. his whole schtick (music included) seemed to be about trying to get a slightly uncomfortable, negative response from people, almost in a very spiteful way. odd thing is that he was a delight to talk with off stage. *that* reminded me more of his D Plan stage demeanour which was welcoming, positive, and encouraged everyone to let loose. this was more hostile...

KPH

+ = "Travistan"