PlayRadioPlay! - Texas
Record Label: Island Records
Release Date: March 18, 2008
Dan Hunter (aka PlayRadioPlay!) is one of my favorite artists, and the way he crafts his beautiful Texan accent around his relatively-simple electronica melodies is astounding considering that he is only 19 and has little experience in the music scene. As he himself says, he is just a nerd writing his songs for himself, not to particularly impress, although impress is certainly one thing he does.
In many aspects Texas is a great release, especially with Hunter's vocal range and skill using his computer and other equipment to support his voice. He definitely brings something new to the powerpop/electronica scene, being deeper with his lyrics than most and writing songs on worldly topics, such as his girlfriend moving away ("Madi Don't Leave"). This is Hunter's first release on Island Records, and something noticeable to longtime fans is his use of the guitar and other physical instruments. At the beginning of his career, with songs like "Jello," "'Elephants As Big As Whales," and "Decipher Reflections from Reality" he displayed little usage of typical musical instruments. As he has progressed, however, he has introduced more and more typical instruments, and this is surely influenced by his new live performance. He has grown from playing with just his computer and guitar to now playing with a full time band.
Many of the tracks on this album are actually remixes of previous efforts. Some of these sound excellent, especially "Loco Commotion" and "I'm a Pirate, You're a Princess," whose new versions sound infinitely better, with an updated, more mature sound. As previously mentioned, nearly all of the updated songs use more guitar and other instruments, and this has been pulled off spectacularly to produce some of the best tracks on this release. However, the new version of "Madi Don't Leave" may disappoint some, as the intimate feel to the original version of the song has been somewhat lost with the inclusion of outsiders playing the song. The beautiful moment at the beginning, when the music crescendos into Hunter's first line, has been edited out, and the general gist of this song is missing as a result of the changes.
The new songs are another good showing, with only "More of the Worst" failing to stand out on the album. "Some Crap About the Furniture" has a catchy chorus and an easy-going beat with a happy, love-filled sound, giving Texas an upbeat intro. "See You Soon," "I'm Afraid There's a Hole in My Brain" (this technically isn't new, it just wasn't released before and only his hardcore following will probably have previously heard it), and "Corner Office Bedroom" are all great additions to PlayRadioPlay!'s catalogue of quirky, genuinely interesting songs. Hunter's ability to switch between catchy songs and solemn, serious tracks is a great skill of his.
The "interludes" throughout the album, originally termed as segues, are really the album's only fault. While mostly fitting in with the 'flow' of the record, they do nothing particularly new or fresh to add to it, making this a slightly pointless venture. They don't at all stop the musical brilliance of this album shining through, but they don't really help it either.
Texas is well worth buying, yet there is so much more promise in this album for Hunter to fine-tune and hone to perfection in time for his next release. He has so much potential and could be one of the best new things of this generation, although I strongly hope MTV never hears of him.
This album is terrible. Everything about it exemplifies his immaturity. Honestly it is a kid messsing around with his computer who caught a break and got great production out of it. Lyrically one of the worst albums I have heard in recent years. Simplicity in music is appreciated at times, but can also show lack of musicianship and immaturity as it does here in the case of Dan Hunter.
This album is terrible. Everything about it exemplifies his immaturity. Honestly it is a kid messsing around with his computer who caught a break and got great production out of it. Lyrically one of the worst albums I have heard in recent years. Simplicity in music is appreciated at times, but can also show lack of musicianship and immaturity as it does here in the case of Dan Hunter.
i disagree, (obviously), but at least you back up what you say.
makes a change to many hawthorne heights fans i know..
For people who don't like this Cd are crazy. At first I was like wow i hate this Cd but you have to listen to it again..Pure Greatness..PlayRadioPlay! is my favorite band..I had my doubts but Dan met my expecations. I just saw Prp! in concert and it was the best. I watched Dan do his acoutsic show and it was amazing his voice was so beautiful and pure.. He was great to his fans. He is a shy guy and was willing to talk to all his fans,take pictures, etc.
Browse Reviews
Write a Review
Alphabetized Listing
Popular Reviews
Best New Music
View Profile Picture
View Blog
View Signature
Posts: 20,831
Currently Playing
Share This Review
Print This Review
Subscribe to Review
More From This Author