Review: Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - Glistening Pleasure
Posted on 25 August 2008 | 5 Comments
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Electronic, New Wave
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Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head plays idiotically bouncy disco-dance-pop that reminds me a lot of The Rapture at their least serious or at least a little of Black Kids without any of the “we’re the hottest shit around” pretension or hype that has accompanied everything that band touches. I’d bet money that Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head is made up of young hipster kids from New York City who (I can only assume) totally act and look the part. This is urban youth music that I bet kids breakdance to. But what’s with the horrendously terrible name? Easily one of the worst band names of all time. This is synth-driven hipster-dance-pop that is actually (for all the ridiculousness) pretty hard to ignore. Glistening Pleasure Catchy hook-laden songs, memorable synth lines, and rhythms that will keep you up all night.
Sweaty hipster kids drunkly dancing into the wee hours or the morning in some dimly lit club. But as good as this is within its genre, it still feels like tomorrow’s trash. I understand the buzz and can appreciate these tunes but I’m so far removed from the target audience for Glistening Pleasure that I can’t even pretend to understand this for more than it is. A song called “Beard Lust” does (however) make me proud to be rockin’ a sweet beard myself. Well done Mr. CYSTSFTS, well done.
MP3 | Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head – Me & Yr Daughter Glistening Pleasure
MP3 | Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head – Beard Lust Glistening Pleasure
Comments
I recently saw a sculpture that I thought—initially—was ridiculous, offensive, or just poor art. I took a moment to attempt to confirm my brilliant first impression. To my surprise I saw the inspiration and genius in the artist’s work. A few weeks ago in NYC I went to see Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head at the Mercury Lounge and had a similar experience with this Seattle band. There’s more here than I prematurely concluded. The band of little twerps gives me hope for some reason. I now see beyond the name, which I also really like. Funny.
“I’d bet money that Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head is made up of young hipster kids from New York City who (I can only assume) totally act and look the part. This is urban youth music that I bet kids breakdance to.”
Try Seattle. Also, the “(I can only assume)” is just right, you’re only assuming. Snooty, much? WHO CARES? I’m from the middle of nowhere and even I can tell this is a fantastic band.
Totally agree with the band name. It’s awful. I think that may be why I can’t bring myself to listen to their stuff, which is a bit shallow I guess, but still. Change your name guys!