New album: Dot Dash || 16 Again

Somewhere in our little rock’n’roll universe there is a person who has yet to have heard of Dot Dash, the band featuring members of The Saturday People, Julie Ocean, and Youth Brigade. That person probably is not alone. We all know it is not uncommon for amazing bands to fly under the radar. Fortunately, if there was ever a time to jump on the Dot Dash bandwagon, it is now.

The band just released their first vinyl LP 16 Again, which is comprised of 15 gems plucked from their illustrious discography and a Televison Personalities cover (Jackanory Stories). I am not sure who picked the songs, but that must have been both really easy and extremely hard. You see, the band has already released seven stellar full lengths (all on The Beautiful Music Label) and I have trouble thinking of one song by the band that I would label as either subpar or filler. As such, it may be a Herculean task, but you can’t really go wrong when making a greatest hits LP from the band’s output.

Thinking of amazing songs in Dot Dash’s discography is easy. Part of that is because of the memorable lines that are omnipresent in their lyrics and how they are delivered – the snarky “Don’t call it a jumper, you know it’s a sweater// Stop saying cheers no one says that here” from Unfair Weather, one of my favorite Dot Dash songs, is just one example of the word play that is permanently etched in my brain. It’s not just the words that get me every time, it is the band’s distinct sound as well, a sound that is warm and charming, rockin’ and melodic. Perhaps the most fitting term is generous. You could classify Dot Dash as power pop or jangle punk, and you wouldn’t be off the mark. The mod scene’s red white and blue hues are another hint of what to expect. But, whatever you call it, I think I prefer to describe 16 Again as a clinic. Fact: these songs still sound as fresh as the first time I’ve heard them.

LP available through Country Mile Records
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp