Dfa Records
2008
The Singles
About This Album
Though most of Free Blood's singles came out within the span of a year, they were almost three years in the making. That may be why The Singles often feels more like an album than a compilation, even though its first half consists of the band's original singles and the second half is devoted to remixes. Throughout these tracks, John Pugh and Madeline Davy define and redefine their sound, which is akin to the boundary-pushing dance-punk Pugh played as !!!'s percussionist, but served up with more mischievous wit and style -- it makes perfect sense that Davy is also a fashion designer for the Octopi label. It also makes perfect sense that The Singles was released by Rong Music in conjunction with DFA Records: Free Blood's brainy hedonism, sense of humor, and compelling rhythms are a natural fit with that label. The epic "Never Hear Surf Music Again" begins The Singles, building from towering toms and finger snaps into druggy sleaze ("Take it if it makes you numb/Take it if it makes you come") with a slinky bassline, vocals that split and circle around themselves, and an Arthur Russell-esque cello sawing in the background. That would be enough for most bands, but Free Blood push things further, piling on electric and acoustic guitars and self-destructing electronics, keeping the song rolling and changing for its entire six minutes.
Track List (try tracks 5,7 and 10)

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