Reviews

AA Sound System

Laissez Faire

Digg this review.
Add to del.ico.us.

Review Date: 2007-08-17

Lais•sez-faire is French for "leave alone" but is most commonly used to mean “let it be”. I feel this term is well suited for the music of AA Sound System because their alt-country sound sways the listener into contentment and literally makes you feel that everything is allllright and to just to let things happen as they may.

The opening track on the album ‘I Don’t Get You At All’ is very mellow. The vocals are laid back and sung over a soft unhurried melody closely resembling the 2001 hit ‘The Picture’ by Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock. I personally would not have made this the first song on the album, it is too slow and drowsy making it difficult to concentrate on the rest of the album.

When I first read the name AA Sound System I got the impression that the music would be loud and aggressive or at least music that would sound great pumping through a large sound system….however to my surprise it was quite the opposite and I realized it was much better suited for the back deck-low volume days where you are sun tanning and and don’t want to piss of your neighbors.

The albums artwork is pretty elementary with stick drawings that are in question. From what I can tell from the one page which is an assembly line of sketches is that their writing/producing process possibly included a rainbow, blender and a toaster. On the following page instead of listing what each member plays they instead drew each instrument beside their names. Interestingly enough I usually would not spend this much time looking at random sketches but since it looked like they were telling a story I thought I would take the time to decipher the pictures. And I’m still working on it.

The three piece band from Lily Plain Saskatchewan has put together a charming album reflective of their location and surroundings. The lyrics are simple but meaningful which makes for great background music appropriate for those cherished quiet times as reading a good book or spending time with your loved one.

Score: 7

- Alicia Freeborn