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Monday, November 13, 2006
 

It's been awhile since I took a moment to profile a label so today I am bringing you all of the fanciness that is Famous Class.  Created in 2003 by Cyrus and Perry Lubin the label has put together a lineup that is pretty diverse and a catalog that includes comics, zines, and hand printed shirts which help cover the artistic ambitions of everyone that is involved with Famous Class.  Personally I am all about hand printed shirts and that probably would have been enough to inspire me to spread the good word about FC but the music is what it's all about and it is pure quality stuff.  The best part is you get a little bit of everything:  if you want some synth pop then Snakes Say Hisss! won't disappoint, if you are looking for some experimental garage rock then Boogie Boarder is for you or if you want some garage rock with less emphasis on experimental then The Huxtables are eager to please.  All in all there is a lot to love so take some time to check out the tight knit community over at Famous Class.

:Snakes Say Hisss - Love Is A Heart Attack:  Jamie Ayers and Sam Skartstad are 20.  When I was 20 I know for a fact that I was not creating perfect little synth pop songs, I think I was just doing a good job of getting to class.  Outside of their youth Jamie and Sam have only know each other since last year and in such a short time they have managed to create some really wonderful stuff, especially the gem that is Love Is A Heart Attack.  I really like how at the center of this song is an obvious love for 80's synth but to compliment that the vocals and some of the sounds used have more of a modern indie pop feel that makes for an interesting listen.

:Boogie Boarder - 3614:  When I first gave Boogie Boarder a listen it instantly reminded me of one of my favorite bands, Lightning Bolt, because it seemed to be all about chaotic instrumental noise.  After a few more listens I realized that Willie, Paul and Cyrus weren't really like Lighting Bolt and instead were the only band that I know of that is making pop enthused noise rock.  3614 is a great song and its raw sound will definitely inspire you to get out of your chair and move around.

:The Huxtables - Hopper C The Bunny:  Cyrus is a busy man.  Not only does he have his duties as owner of Famous Class he also is the drummer for Boogie Boarder and The Huxtables.  Now if my info is correct Boogie Boarder spawned as more of an experimental version of The Huxtables and listening to more vintage themed garage rock numbers like Hopper C The Bunny doesn't exactly hide the differences between the two.  The one thing that does crossover for both bands though is their knack for carrying more of a pop edge then would be expected from an instrumental band.  I love how this song is only 1:17, short and sweet is just the way to go sometimes.

All of the bands have new releases available here and I think that you should pick all of them up.  Famous Class, Snakes Say Hisss!, Boogie Boarder, and The Huxtables want you to join them on Myspace so take a minute to become their friends.

- John Laird -



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