In celebration of their 25th reunion, The Dandy Warhols released Why You So Crazy this past January. Courtney Taylor-Taylor (vocals, guitar, keyboards, and percussion), Peter Holmström (guitar, keyboards, and bass), Zia McCabe (keyboards, key bass, percussion, and vocals), and Brent DeBoer (drums, vocals, bass, and guitar) came to be known as The Dandy Warhols, or The Dandys, in Portland, Oregon back in 1994. The Dandy Warhols have long been dishing out alternative beats with occasional hints of psychedelic pop and gothic undertones.
While The Dandys are well known for cultivating a different sound for each album release, Why You So Crazy takes on a unique psychedelic quality while tying in sprinklings of angst and jazz. This of course makes sense, given the role bands like The Clash and Happy Mondays have played in creating their sound. Of all 10 albums, this one is perhaps the most dynamic. It marvelously showcases the band’s range of talent and their off-kilter approach to maximizing the listening experience.
In order to take in the group’s boldness, check out “Forever:” it offers a glimpse into the depth of their instrumental arsenal and features the melancholy voicing of DeBoer. Just as brilliant is “Be Alright.” It features that same darkness found throughout the rest of the album but accompanies it with a groovy chorus and light vocals. Why You So Crazy combines so many rhythms and styles, but the album is well worth the listen given its novelty and liveliness.
Recommended If You Like: Wooden Shjips, Primal Scream
Recommended Tracks: 4 (“Be Alright”), 11 (“Forever”)
Do Not Play: 3 (“Highlife”), 8 (“Small Town Girls”)
Written by Amy Shea on 03/28/2019