Mansions - New Best Friends

[Blake Solomon]

Mansions - New Best Friends
Record Label: Doghouse Records
Release Date: March 3, 2009

Christopher Browder and his solo-ma-jig Mansions have received quite a bit of chatter these past few months. A self-titled EP and Jay Reatard-esque mega project aptly titled Initiative helped grow his name and, most importantly, his buzz. Browder has been touted by plenty of AP.net staff members, but they like anything and everything so I was a bit skeptical. Scratch that; I was very skeptical. When comparisons are made between a glorified teenager and industry staples like Max Bemis or Conor Oberst, noses automatically stick up in the air: “Pshaw! I’ll be the judge of his so-called talent.” It’s not like those revered names did anything worthwhile at Browder’s age. Or am I forgetting something? The Wikipedia articles for both artists are frustratingly vague.

Mansions’ quantity doesn’t ensure, well, anything. Just look at me: hundreds of reviews, three of which are good. My age has held me back, but this is not the case for Browder. He clearly understands the intricacies and angles of electronic pop music. Effects play hide and seek with listeners, like how the ticking drums of “Holidaze” lead us into an acoustic therapy session rather than walls o’ noise. Or how the eerie droning of opener/intro “I Told A Lie” clearly works as background noise - while also making the song full-bodied and thematic. However, New Best Friends truly lives in the space between rock and contemplation; “Talk Talk Talk” hits loud guitar climaxes more than once, but Browder’s scratchily delivered lyrics always shine through (“And everything you did was so / Idealized and enviable / Your perfect life it got so old / So I turned my head”).

Those looking for a new Say Anything may be disappointed. The true comparisons bubble up in lyrical content and a lovable level of self-righteousness. Most songs play the “I’m right. You’re wrong.” card, and that’s just fine because Browder makes his points through interesting imagery (“Substitute Angel”) and reverb-filled foot tappers (“Gotta Be Alone”). But it’s his singing/speaking style that makes him easily identifiable. When he does sing, like on the acoustically anchored “Curacao Blue”, he sounds loads more emotional. New Best Friends uses both styles in an efficient manner. Chances are you'll never tire of either variation on Browder's voice.

Despite my life’s good luck streak (:knocks on wood:), New Best Friends has latched on. It’s really quite a downer: songs about ended relationships, liars, players, and even terrible music scenes. The guitars typically fight Browder’s less-than-appealing demeanor (“All Eyes On You”), but this produces complications begging to be undone. As Browder menacingly asks, “Have you ever really seen yourself / The way that everyone else sees you”, it makes you wonder how often our perceptions differ from those around us. This sentiment isn’t astoundingly creative or anything, but his wiser-than-you delivery makes the line hit with more force than you’d expect. It’s an answer most of us don’t want to know. It’s the answer Christopher Browder will continue to give.


Recommended If You Like: Say Anything, Bright Eyes, anything, Aqueduct, everything


www.myspace.com/mansions

[Ryzenfall]

Nice review. Such an impressive release.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

I agree, I'm happy he got such a good review cuz this album is really good. My one gripe is I wish he'd use different vocal styles but I can't complain cuz I like all his stuff so far.

[anamericangod]

Damn, I was in the middle of writing a review for this. Didn't know staff was working on it. Nice review, great album.

[Holly HoX!]

His EP with Brian Warren of Weatherbox, rightly titled ManBox, is really, really great. Can't expect much less from a member of the Doghouse. He deserves this great review. Props.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

good album. still sitting with me. loved it on first listen. and now i am letting it grow.

[Gregory Robson]

Solid. Strong review for a very strong album. Cheers.

[Blake Solomon]

Solid. Strong review for a very strong album. Cheers.
i had that mason proper avatar like 8 months ago. Welcome to the back of the line!

[uglystar03]

I loved the Initiative EPs, especially the Mr. Boddy EP. I'm not sure if I'll purchase this though.

[fadedmemories]

This review just made me more excited to hear this.

[Broclee]

Such a great release, I didn't know what to expect, with all that I'd heard, but I wasn't disappointed.

[JordanBuell]

if you loved the Mr. Boddy Ep then i say defiantly pick up a copy. Yeah all of the songs have been heard and released before but it is nice to hear the finished versions.

[jusscali]

Yeah, this was a great write up Blake - really enjoyed the read and I really enjoy the record.

Gotta Be Alone has such a New Radicals feeling to it and I love it!

Are you doing the TDS review as well?

[pshh]

goood job

[Hereformusic]

Great Release, the version I got came with all the Intiative EPs on an Mp3 disc. Mr Boddy is a great Ep..

[rditzler]

awesome album

[Blakebear]

Nice review dewd...

Guess I'll have to check this out.

[mybreakingpoint]

great review, fucking outstanding record.

i cannot say enough good things about it or this band.

so so so so so good.

[-ben]

I really love this album for some reason.

[fearthesloths]

great album... this kid is super talented

[You Vandal]

I like the album a lot.

This review was poorly written.

[Blake Solomon]

I like the album a lot.

This review was poorly written.

Which parts need work? Have any tips for me?

[Travis Parno]

Just look at me: hundreds of reviews, three of which are good.
come on, 3? i think you're being too hard on yourself. 4 or 5, at least!

[what_ever]

I will now have to listen to this album

[JeffTrent]

this guy's incredibly talented, i was fortunate to do a show with him once. great album

[You Vandal]

Which parts need work? Have any tips for me?
"It’s not like those revered names did anything worthwhile at Browder’s age. Or am I forgetting something? The Wikipedia articles for both artists are frustratingly vague."

Was this necessary? If you don't know, do research (beyond Wikipedia) and find out or don't include it at all. It contributes nothing to the review if you just question yourself after you make a statement.

"Mansions’ quantity doesn’t ensure, well, anything."

Mansions' quantity? Quantity of what? It is unclear what you are talking about here.

"The true comparisons bubble up in lyrical content and a lovable level of self-righteousness. Most songs play the “I’m right. You’re wrong.” card, and that’s just fine because Browder makes his points through interesting imagery (“Substitute Angel”) and reverb-filled foot tappers (“Gotta Be Alone”)"

Run-on sentence.

Also, you could really tighten up the conclusion. You took so long to make your point that I forgot what it was in the first place.

[WisteriaCory]

Wonderful cd. I hope to catch him out at a show in the near future.

[D-Money]

Great album.

[Blake Solomon]

"It’s not like those revered names did anything worthwhile at Browder’s age. Or am I forgetting something? The Wikipedia articles for both artists are frustratingly vague."

Was this necessary? If you don't know, do research (beyond Wikipedia) and find out or don't include it at all. It contributes nothing to the review if you just question yourself after you make a statement.

"Mansions’ quantity doesn’t ensure, well, anything."

Mansions' quantity? Quantity of what? It is unclear what you are talking about here.

"The true comparisons bubble up in lyrical content and a lovable level of self-righteousness. Most songs play the “I’m right. You’re wrong.” card, and that’s just fine because Browder makes his points through interesting imagery (“Substitute Angel”) and reverb-filled foot tappers (“Gotta Be Alone”)"

Run-on sentence.

Also, you could really tighten up the conclusion. You took so long to make your point that I forgot what it was in the first place.

I'm nearly 100% certain it's not a run-on sentence (i use a subordinating conjunction - "becuase" and the clauses don't confuse anything by being placed together). The rest is stylistic stuff or humor stuff, which isn't going to appeal to everyone. I appreciate you taking the time to outline your opinion, though, not many people will do that around here.

[You Vandal]

I'm nearly 100% certain it's not a run-on sentence (i use a subordinating conjunction - "becuase" and the clauses don't confuse anything by being placed together). The rest is stylistic stuff or humor stuff, which isn't going to appeal to everyone. I appreciate you taking the time to outline your opinion, though, not many people will do that around here.
Yeah, you are right. It isn't a run-on. I didn't notice that period after self-righteousness.

How is the "Mansion's quantity" line stylistic? It is just plain unclear.

I would like to say the review does a good job of actually telling readers what they will hear when they listen to the record, which is something most reviews on this site have trouble doing. I just think the majority of the writing could be tightened considerably.

[Blake Solomon]

Yeah, you are right. It isn't a run-on. I didn't notice that period after self-righteousness.

How is the "Mansion's quantity" line stylistic? It is just plain unclear.

I would like to say the review does a good job of actually telling readers what they will hear when they listen to the record, which is something most reviews on this site have trouble doing. I just think the majority of the writing could be tightened considerably.
the quantity line refers back to the opening paragraph when i talk about his "mega project" and his EP. It ties the two paragraphs together between his body of work and his considerably young age.

[ascitiesburn101]

I see the "I'm right, She is/They're wrong" sentiment but Browder apparently writes a lot of song from the other point of view about himself and they aren't always as glowing.

[InaGreendase]

He's always reminded me more of Brand New than Say Anything. Might be Sapone's production, but even some of the more well-recorded-at-home songs on Initiative sound it.

If you don't know, do research (beyond Wikipedia) and find out or don't include it at all.

Would you do that much research for something you're writing on a volunteer basis? I certainly don't.

[You Vandal]

the quantity line refers back to the opening paragraph when i talk about his "mega project" and his EP. It ties the two paragraphs together between his body of work and his considerably young age.
Yeah, I get what you are trying to do. But you should have said "Mansions' quantity of something." The way is now implies Mansions itself has a quantity, not what they produce.

[You Vandal]

He's always reminded me more of Brand New than Say Anything. Might be Sapone's production, but even some of the more well-recorded-at-home songs on Initiative sound it.



Would you do that much research for something you're writing on a volunteer basis? I certainly don't.
Fine, then don't include it at all. He may be voluneering (is he?) but a lot of people are still reading his reviews.

[Blake Solomon]

Fine, then don't include it at all. He may be voluneering (is he?) but a lot of people are still reading his reviews.
the wikipedia line was meant as a joke. i guess it was a bad one. Why else would I ask my self a question in my own review? I hope I don't appear that dense.

[maniac R.O.D.]

I really love this album. Pretty good review but i would have given it a little higher. It's a great soundtrack for a moody day.

Oh, and the Mr. Boddy EP is so fucking good

[Romancebled]

this album is so good. one of my favorites of 09 so far.

[Wisher]

I really respect this guy, he's very talented.

Buying the album in physical form is WELL worth it.

[spansen]

i like 'im

[GHomesIsTheIdea]

my biggest problem was the lyrics

[prefix-core]

Good review, great album. I'm honestly surprised the hype surrounding this guy isn't bigger...

[JacquelineNancy]

Great album. I've been listening to it nonstop.

[anamericangod]

my biggest problem was the lyrics

Lyrics are great.

Great album. I've been listening to it nonstop.

Me too, me too.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Never bothered checking him out, but this review convinced me and I'm glad I did.

[tait]

great review, great album

[AMAAS]

"It’s not like those revered names did anything worthwhile at Browder’s age. Or am I forgetting something? The Wikipedia articles for both artists are frustratingly vague."

Was this necessary? If you don't know, do research (beyond Wikipedia) and find out or don't include it at all. It contributes nothing to the review if you just question yourself after you make a statement.

"Mansions’ quantity doesn’t ensure, well, anything."

Mansions' quantity? Quantity of what? It is unclear what you are talking about here.

"The true comparisons bubble up in lyrical content and a lovable level of self-righteousness. Most songs play the “I’m right. You’re wrong.” card, and that’s just fine because Browder makes his points through interesting imagery (“Substitute Angel”) and reverb-filled foot tappers (“Gotta Be Alone”)"

Run-on sentence.

Also, you could really tighten up the conclusion. You took so long to make your point that I forgot what it was in the first place.
he wrote a lot of the review around the assumption that most people reading it already knew Browder's music...so anyone that was already a Mansions fan knew he was talking about the Initiative and that he was just being satirical with the Conor Oberst wikipedia joke...and I don't believe that's a run on sentence either...this is a run on sentence...actually this isn't a sentence at all it's just me typing a bunch of words to try and prove a point

[You Vandal]

he wrote a lot of the review around the assumption that most people reading it already knew Browder's music...so anyone that was already a Mansions fan knew he was talking about the Initiative and that he was just being satirical with the Conor Oberst wikipedia joke...and I don't believe that's a run on sentence either...this is a run on sentence...actually this isn't a sentence at all it's just me typing a bunch of words to try and prove a point
You should make no assumptions when writing a review.
I already acknowledged it was not a run-on. I missed a period.
Thanks for your insight though.

[MattRM]

Good review, good album. If it means anything to you, I chuckled a little bit at the Wikipedia line. Maybe not out loud, but inside... I chuckled.

[sweetforever]

Falling in love with this album.

[brenByah]

The love child of Conor Oberst and Max Bemis, I love Mansions.

[topher465]

Probably one of the best reviews I've read on this site. Less obvious, but invariably true points taken throughout. Well done.