The Danforths: Look Out for the Wolves
There are records that you listen to and they don't have much of an immediate effect. And there are those that, upon hearing for the first time, you know you've got something incredibly good. That being said, the first time I listened to Lookout for the Wolves, it blew my mind-hole. The Danforths have created an intriguing, deep record that only gets better each time you listen to it.
The opening track, "Goodnight in German" starts out in a bizarre chant that sounds like some truly dark stuff. Y'know, to play Dungeons and Dragons to, or something like that. But it gives way to driving guitars and harmonies that are so good, I simply can't believe what I'm hearing. The album continues in a truly wayward fashion, adeptly hopping genres, yet it all flows together seamlessly.
All of the songs on the album are stand-out tracks. Personally, I find that "Oh oh oh Jamaica" is the perfect blend of abstract, rock and pure pop pleasure on the album. I would welcome arguments for any other song on the record though. Even the cover of Stephin Merrit's "Movies in My Head" fits perfectly.
Not only is the music good, but the packaging on the special edition from Modern Radio Record Label is equally entertaing. It includes a tie-in coloring book that references each of the tracks entitled "He's Cool. Him's My Friend." The covers are also unique, screen printed by Chris Danforth himself (I guess he had some help too). Haven't seen the version put out by Essay Records yet, but obviously, the music is good enough that the packaging is only a bonus.
It's the kind of music that is so rich, you've got to be curious as to how the pull it off on-stage. So, should you get the chance to see them live, I'd highly recommend you take the opportunity. If you don't have the chance, we have some video from their show August 19, 2005 in the Productions section of the site. Check it out.