When the Bonnaroo lineup came out in early February, one band’s name stuck out more than any others: the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I have been following Karen O and company’s careers since 2003, when they released their now cult-classic, art-punk debut “Fever to Tell.” (-Photo/Amauri Aguiar)
Karen O and Nick Zinner, of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, perform at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City in 2006.
I was always attracted to the YYY’s because they were equal parts musicians and showmen. Their songs were short and catchy, their lyrics were poignant but simple and their on-stage presence was nothing short of electrifying.
This lends itself greatly to their front woman, Karen O; she’s often touted as a modern-day Chrissie Hynde. Her vocals are sharp, penetrating and often resemble an orgasmic shriek – not to mention she’s sexy as hell. On stage, Karen O is a dancing pixie, often a little drunk but always pitch-perfect and energetic.
Another alluring feature of the YYY’s is their ability to reinvent their sound. Their debut EP, “Yeah Yeah Yeahs,” was a garage-band punk album full of lyrics about sex and ruling the world. Then, they released their calling card in 2003, “Fever to Tell.” Riding high on the popularity of their single “Maps,” the Yeah Yeah Yeahs hit top ten on the U.S. Rock Charts, catapulting the trio into the mainstream eye.
After a small hiatus, the band did a musical 180 turn with their sophomore release “Show Your Bones.” It was full of power ballads, showed real lyrical maturity and allowed guitarist Nick Zinner and drummer Brian Chase to truly shine. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs were growing before our ears, but unfortunately, tension between the band mates led to break-up rumors.
In 2007, the YYY’s quickly quieted those rumors, releasing the “Is Is” EP; this was a short collection of five often-performed but never-recorded tracks. They kept fans watering, as blogs on their MySpace page hinted that a new album was to be released soon.
“It’s Blitz!” was made available for digital download just this past Tuesday, after leaking in February on various Web sites. Fans of the punk side of the YYY’s may be slightly disappointed, as the band’s newest endeavor leads them into the world of 80s pop and the use of new-age synthesizers.
But I think that this is their boldest and most artistically interesting album to date. True, it does not sound anything like the past YYY’s albums, but “Show Your Bones” proved they were ready to be a mature group dedicated to writing songs that will make you both dance and weep. Fortunately, on “It’s Blitz!” it’s mostly dancing that will follow. Karen O’s vocals are as sensually pleasing as always, Chase’s drums have never been more absorbing and Zinner shines as the album’s backbone.
Buy “It’s Blitz!” right now – the iTunes deluxe version if possible (the acoustic versions of “Hysteric” and “Little Shadow” are utterly mystifying). I cannot wait to hear how this new material sounds at their Bonnaroo debut, especially “Dull Life.” (-Photo/Charlyn W)
Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, shines in the lights at a show in the Berkeley Church in Toronto in 2007.
Bonnaroo or Bust! 