mp3:I Have Had a Very Good Year

Dear Mobius Band,

Okay, so I know that emo is out. I also know that dancy electro clapping is the new emo. For this reason, compounded with the fact that I am voyaging into the world of the online, I have been extremely self conscience of my resurgent love for that style of music that was affectionately known as emo. Don’t get me wrong, I am not labelling your music “emo” by any means. You guys have everything going for you that should get you blasted across the blogosphere and playing hipster music festivals in no time: those dancy beats, some retro synths, simple guitar lines. You really are set — but for one thing: that voice. I mean, the lyrics aren’t even emo: that line “when life is so good it hurts” is one of the most optimistic and triumphant things I have seen coming out of the music in a long time (despite the fact that it is shortly followed by “then I will cut you in half”). But somehow, when you say it with that nasal drone, I can’t help but feel that you are whining. I have learned to embrace it — I have learned to cut off that reflex that I am acculturating which makes me react negatively to emo music. In order to work on overcoming this reflex, I have also been listening to the first three Sunny Day Real Estate albums and The Promise Ring (Speaking of emo being out — did you know that the guy from The Promise Ring is in Dashboard now?) So, I guess what I am trying to say is, I don’t care what any one else says, I don’t care if you are whining, I think your music is great.

This song is my favorite off of your City vs. Country EP (it really is a tough choice). I have only one suggestion: That ending drum part, which I think is magnificent, ends a little too soon. It really gets to the good part, and just when I truly am ready to rock, you pull the carpet out from under my feet.

But maybe I am just whining.

Rob

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