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you and others
album review
by donald dusinberre
imartsyfartsy@gmail.com


Artist:
Vega4

Title:
You and Others

Release Date:
11.02.2006

Label:
Sony / BMG Import
      I had to chuckle a little bit. When iTunes read my copy of Vega4, it categorized them as “Alternative & Punk”. Excuse me while I snicker, but I think they belong in the adult alternative category, along with Coldplay and U2. To back up my point, I submit their album, You and Others. It’s produced by Garret “Jacknife” Lee, the producer responsible for recent U2 and Snow Patrol records.

      The sound of Vega4 features simplified, pulsing bass lines and lightly distorted guitar parts that attempt to assert their edginess without offending. The vocals are placed prominently above the music and serve up the primary melody, while the drummer punctuates the slower songwriting with uptempo beats. As a whole, Vega4 are indeed pleasant to listen to, but their songs are utterly devoid of new sonic ideas. If I pretend to hear Bono of U2, I do. If I pretend to hear Chris Martin of Coldplay, I do.

      At this moment, I’m listening to ‘Life is Beautiful,’ the single from Vega4 featured on Grey’s Anatomy. Even though I don’t watch that show, it’s easy to tell that they play this song at the end of the show during the wrap-up segment. You know, the part where they summarize each character’s predicament with sentimental music cranked up to heighten our empathy.

      They used to say that anyone who ever listened to the Velvet Underground ended up starting their own band. Well, the music of Vega4 makes me never want to be in another one.

      I suppose that if you’re the type that enjoys watching drivel like Grey’s Anatomy, you might enjoy watching Vega4 as they support Augustana on tour. They will be making a stop at the Freebird Café on March 31.

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