Dr. Dog’s "Shame, Shame" New Sounds of Spring

By Alex Gallagher

We drive fast with windows down, sun shining as warm gusts fill the car. Whether we drive aimlessly around town or embark on unknown adventures, around us spring is quickly melting into summer. Accompanied by friends or just the nice weather, what could be missing from this dream-like afternoon? The music that accompanies us on these memorable sunny days is just as essential as the friends you bring with you. But amidst the rapping, and remixing what should be in on everyone’s iPod this spring? Well, on April 2nd West Philadelphia band Dr. Dog answered that question with the release of their sixth album Shame, Shame.

A band known for their simplicity and deeply rooted history, Dr. Dog has taken a different turn on their new record. Officially established in 1999 with the release of their first album, Psychedelic Swamp, the band has since advanced from a late-night opening act to headlining their own tours. Despite their rise in popularity, the group has not lost their rich sense of creativity that has been brewing since bassist Tony Leaman and lead guitarist Scott McMicken met in 8th grade.

Before the release of Shame, Shame each previous album including 2005’s Easy Beat had been recorded in their home studio in Philadelphia making the group’s focus of creativity in the past center around both the recording and mixing processes. When it came to this year’s release, however, McMicken said, “There was this feeling inside me going into making this record that we’d never made an album before.”

The opening track “Stranger” leads off with a sense of upbeat energy and cheerfully reminiscent lyrics that set a classic tone for the whole record. Immediately its clear that as a band Dr. Dog has not abandoned the distinct sound that has come to define the group. The following song titled “Shadow People” highlights the unique sounding vocals of both Leaman and McMicken, paired with the classic distorted guitar which has come to characterize Dr. Dog with similar sounding bands like Wilco, or My Morning Jacket.

While many aspects of the album do ring true to past records, the band was also able to pursue “bigger and better” sounds that they now wanted with the help of esteemed New York producer Rob Schnapf. Professional engineering, and producing allowed the five man group to focus their creativity on the performing aspect of the album rather than the intricacies of production. The result is a tightly recorded album, that many say will translate to more than stellar live shows.

Shame, Shame’s tracks like “Station” and “Shadow People” allows the songwriters of the group to express stories of life both on the road and in West Philly, very different yet equally hectic but rewarding environments. The harmonious storytelling does not stop there, and I encourage you to let these songs act as a soundtrack for the memories that we all make as we inch closer to the summer months. Dr. Dog's new album Shame, Shame can be purchased here...