Imperial Teen "The Hair The TV The Baby The Band"

[busyboy]

Remember them?


Exclusive: Imperial Teen Reveal New Album Details

The madames and gents of Imperial Teen haven't exactly reflected their band's name in some years, but after a half-decade absence from the recording booth, they're definitely into class reunion territory. Indeed, the moniker-belying title of their upcoming fourth album (and first in five years) reflects such adult-like domesticity. The Hair, the TV, the Baby and the Band will step out August 21 thanks to Merge Records.

In the five year interim between 2002's On and now, the band's been busy thinking of good names for their don't-call-it-a-comeback record, and indeed, they had no further to look than the concerns of the day-to-day. Jone Stebbins, with her salon, is the hair; Roddy Bottum's work in the televised arts is the TV; Lynn Truell's had an active womb-life (hence the Baby); and Will Schwartz's side-act Hey Willpower is, natch, the band.

Though there's nothing firmed up at the moment, Imperial Teen plans to see out the summer on tour.

The Hair, the TV, the Baby and the Band:

01 Everything
02 Do it Better
03 Shim Sham
04 Baby and the Band
05 One Two
06 Room With a View
07 It's Now
08 Fallen Idol
09 Sweet Potato
10 Everyone Wants to Know
11 21st Century
12 What You Do

[busyboy]

The album leaked two weeks ago, in the general silence (even of the blogosphere). It's good, although it won't change the face of music as we know it, and it's quickly becoming my Summer 2007 album of choice.

"Shim Sham" can be found here. "Everyone Wants To Know" is here. "Baby And The Band" and "Do It Better" here, along with the following blogger review...

Imperial Teen, "The Hair, the TV, the Baby & the Band"



Release Date: 08/21/07

Grade: B

Despite making three outstanding records and having a couple of minor radio hits, Imperial Teen continue to float under the radar. I thought for sure their 2002 triumph On would bring them some well deserved recognition, but it became their first record without a radio single. Inactive for the past few years, Teen’s Will Schwartz released some pop gems with Hey Willpower and put the future of Imperial Teen in doubt. But here they are, back with their first album in five years and eleven years after Seasick almost made them stars. On is a tough act to follow and The Hair, the TV, the Baby, & the Band isn’t as confident as it’s predecessor. The record is, however, still stocked full of hand clapping, ohh and ahh-ing indie pop. They are still doing what they do best, even if it isn’t their best work. “Do It Better” and the album’s best track, “Baby and the Band” are testaments to their longevity. Song after song, they are determined to get their hooks stuck in your head. There are a few missteps- notably the vaudeville-ish, “Fallen Idol”, which is too sugary for it’s own good. The lyrics also fall down that path from time to time. While Hey Willpower’s material requires lame innuendos and winks, Imperial Teen’s music deserves something a little more substantial- even if it is backed with hand claps. It’s not likely that The Hair, the TV, the Baby, & the Band is going to finally get people to notice Imperial Teen, but one day when they do it’ll still be here waiting for them.

[busyboy]

Idolator has a feature on their great but out of print debut album Seasick.

Back In Your Life, We Can't Even Mess Up Right

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Out today in the US!

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Solid reviews:



www.metacritic.com/music/artists/imperialteen/thehairthetvthebabyandtheband

[busyboy]

The album debuts at #131 on the Independent Albums chart, with about 1,100 copies scanned.