Jack’s Jams: Dr. Dog

The seventh album by the Chester County rockers of Dr. Dog is probably one of the better indie rock albums released within the past year. I bought my copy after hearing it as the overhead music at Rainbow Records. It has been a big year for the band, which has played on “Last Call with Carson Daly,” “Conan” and with The Shins on PBS’ long-running concert series “Austin City Limits.”

“Be The Void” is one of the few albums I would give a perfect score. Featuring songs that have varied sounds, from the bluesy sound of “Lonesome” and “How Long Must I Wait” to the Bob Dylan-esque feel of “Vampire,” these guys sound like the band that plays down at your local drinking establishment. The different musical styles on this album hearken back to the 80s feel of rock or alternative bands like The Clash or The Replacements doing covers of songs from the 60s or 70s. The album has a semi-polished feel, with certain songs like “These Days” and “Do The Trick” sounding like they were done in the studio, while others such as “Heavy Light,” “Over Here, Over There” and “Warrior Man” sounding like they came from a small garage with a bunch of recording equipment in it. The band enjoys a lo-fi sound, which personally suits my tastes, for the “unpolished” songs appeal to me more.

It is fitting that Dr. Dog was paired with The Shins on “Austin City Limits,” because both bands’ sounds appeal to me more than bands like The Black Keys or The Killers. “Be The Void” is probably one of the better purchases indie lovers can make. The album even appealed to my father, who like most  parents, cannot figure out why we listen to some of the “new” music. This is an album that crosses the generational gap.

Personally, I think SCPAB would be smart to pick Dr. Dog for next year’s concert as they are a band that is “on the bubble” between playing small concerts and big European festivals. “Be The Void” might just be the steppingstone for the band.