ZapTown

[Article by Stephen Cruze.]

Various Artists
Dots To Connect, The Music Of The Prids
five03
Rating: 2 out of 5

Scientists say that music has the potential to stimulate the deepest part of the brain’s cortex giving a sense of euphoria.  In different people, different music produces this result.  There’s no evidence that overall, one type of music is better at achieving this euphoria than another.  It depends on the person.   I say that to say that I am personally not a fan The Prids music. They have all the elements in their music which should make me a huge fan — well written lyrics with drone-strum guitar and simplistic, Sonic Youth-type, Steve Shelley beats.  Add in goth elements mixed with slightly new wave sensibilities and post-punk aesthetics that turn out some well crafted songs. For whatever reason, other bands do what they do better to my ears…and cortex. That does not mean that they are a bad band or do not deserve your attention.

The record that I am reviewing is called Dots To Connect, 18 bands covering 18 Prids songs.  The question is why a band like The Prids, a band still in the process of creating the body of their work, and of such little fame, would have a tribute album made for them?  The answer is that a little over a year ago The Prids were involved in a serious car accident while traveling from San Francisco to do a show in Los Angeles.  While thankfully, no one was killed all band members were injured and hospitalized.  As well, their equipment was destroyed.  Dots To Connect is a compilation of various bands coming together, each playing a Prids song.  Its available as a digital download only and all proceeds go to the band to help them pay their medical costs.  That being said, how could you ever give this release a thumbs down? As well, there are some pretty good performances turned in by bands such as, A Place To Bury Strangers,  Me You Us Them, Helvetia and others.  If you are a Prids fan then I highly recommend this release simply for the bands performance mentioned above.  In particular, the track “Something Difficult” is a great hurting love song.  Helvetia treats it with the respect it deserves and turns out a shining performance that touches that sense of melancholy one feels in leaving a love behind for the right reasons.  Acknowledging that reason is the last human ability that should be used in treating love.

I wish the Prids well and while they aren’t in my top five of today’s melody makers they are truly good at what they do, this is my favorite release of The Prids songs.  As they’re interpreted by their contemporaries, it allows me to go much further into their music than I have been able to go.  Who knows,  after listening to Dots To Connect a few more times I may find myself growing a little more fond of The Prids.

Links:
The Prids: http://www.theprids.com/