Math and Physics Club: Darling, Please Come Home
Math and Physics Club
Quite the departure from yesterday's post, but not so much in the general sound of things here, we have some more pop. Seattle's poetically cute Math and Physics Club released two fantastic EPs last year and after over a year of work they're finally set to release their debut self-titled album on Matinée Records in October. Check out this lovely track, from the upcoming record. Highly Recommened for fans of The Lucksmiths, The Razorcuts, Belle and Sebastian, et al.
EDIT: MP3 link removed by request, sorry.
[MP3]:
Though taking obvious lyrical cues from both The Lucksmiths and Belle and Sebastian, MAPC take those influences and create their own original short stories of love and here particularly, a love lost. The steady chugging percussion contrasted against the soft twinkling guitar creates the perfect atmosphere around Charles' vocals allowing the story to soak in to the point where you're almost lost in it. That's all we've ever wanted from a good story isn't it?
BONUS [MP3]: Math and Physics Club :: Weekends Away (From the Weekends Away EP)
Order both EPs from Matinée Records for just $8!
Math and Physics Club on MySpace (Unofficial)
Elsewhere: Head over to The Boy Least Likely To's website and take their cute little personality test!
Stumble It!
posted by Matt at 7:57 AM
76 Comments:
SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET OF THE MATH AND PHYSICS CLUB! A Google search of Kevin Emerson (Math & Physics Club) sheds light on a "funky" past. In 2001 Kevin Emerson's band SOULWORK received the Boston Music Award award for "Best Funk Band". The band had bumper stickers printed that said: "Groove is Good - Soulwork is a seriously groovy band". What do the Matinee fans think of this?
LOL
wow! that is scary! soulwork sounds as bad as blues hammer.
I live in the northwest and I saw Kevin Emerson's side project called Central Services play last week. They were TERRIBLE! They sounded like Toto. I guarantee you that guy doesn't have a single indie-rock cd in his collection. I like his other band Math and Physics Club, but Central Services are just awful! They seem like great musicians, but bad song ideas become bad songs. He needs to start over. Someone should buy Kevin a Beat Happening album.
Does this mean that The Math & Physics Club are going to deliver some New Orleans' groove and Miami-Vice hot night sounds on their next disc? I hope so.
Kevin, God loves you just the way you are, but he loves you too much too let you stay that way.
Holy Crap! Were they really called SOULWORK?
This thing is sort of stupid, but having a "Best Funk Band" past IS pretty embarrassing. I would LOVE to have one of those bumper stickers!
yeah, i would really love to have one of those, just for novelty purposes, ad then i could get kevin to sign it one day.
OMG! This is sooo funny!
Yeah, I've heard that Central Services side project.... not good! But I love MAPC!
You tell 'em Kevin. Groove IS good. I play gee-tar in a funk band too. We just started. We're called The Funky Melon Farmers. Look for us.
are we sure this SOULWORK thing isn't a joke? i find it pretty hard to believe that a member of math and physics club would be in a band called SOULWORK. i'm thinking this might be a put on.
who cares about any of this? why do we even need the math and physics club if we already have the lucksmiths?
because i like the math and physics club and i like the lucksmiths and because you're a party pooper.
Call off the lions! Jimmy at Matinée has released some questionable records over the years and Math and Physics Club are not one of them. Remember The Liberty Ship or that Slipslide EP? Me neither. Before we cut down the Math and Physics Club kids for showing poor judgement in their past, we should hold Jimmy accountable for introducing us to The Visitors and Ego. Math and Physics Club and The Lucksmiths are almost the only reason to pay attention to Matinée anymore. It's true, Soulwork is an embarrassing skeleton for a twee band like this, but I say we cut them some slack. After all, I hear Soulwork were a "seriously groovy band"
I checked out Central Services and the MP3 was bad!
Hey guys, this is Charles from the band. A friend sent me a link to this blog so that I could read a nice review of our new song, so I decided to check out the comments too. Wow, I gotta say, this is a pretty mean-spirited and shallow thread that I really hope Kevin doesn't have the pleasure of reading. Nice work. Don't get me wrong, I don't care if you don't like our band, or Central Services for that matter, that's your right, but to take Kevin to task for playing in a funk band is about the stupidest thing I've ever heard. At first I thought it was a joke, but then I realized you were actually serious. Is the implication that it somehow damages our "indie cred" to have people in our band that play and listen to different types of music? What a load of shit. Hey Knobby Clarke, if that's the way you think then you likely have no clue what it means to be indie or punk or whatever it is you like to call yourself. Guys, seriously, remember the stuff you post in these blogs is public, so speak your mind but do it with some respect for other people who might read it. Oh, and by the way, I heard Toto on the radio yesterday and sang along to the whole song. Good stuff, highly recommended...
Charles, it was never my intention to be mean-spirited. I like your band, quite a bit actually! I just thought it was funny that a member of the very-twee Math and Physics Club would have won a "Best Funk Band" award in a past life. My original post was kind of an indie-tabloid spoof. I never thought it would get such a big response. It was never my intention to hurt Kevin's feelings. I just thought it was an interesting bit of trivia. Sorry.
I find it sad that many of you feel the need to be so intolerant and downright cruel to those perceived to be outside your apparently miniscule musical universe. If Kevin, or anyone else for that matter, writes or listens to something you don’t like, how is it ok to publicly shame him? Are we all so insecure and shallow that we can’t respect those who enjoy forms of music different than our own? Despite your ridiculous condemnations, the fact is Kevin has been integral to the development of every one of the math and physics club songs many of you seem to enjoy. Blimey, with “fans” like you guys, who needs enemies? Nobby Clark, thank your recognizing this really isn't that cool.
I don't see why what kevin or anyone in any band did in the past is even relevent, really. what i used to listen to in middle school and early high school i couldnt stand listening to now, but that's because things change. pay attention to what he and the band are doing now, and listen to this song, its fantastic.
Bullshit! A band's lineage IS important. Would it be ok if an ex-member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers joined Belle and Sebastian? No. If you're making music and expecting the public the believe it and buy it, you have to to held accountable for ALL the music you've put out there. Look at the guy in The Bravery. He was ruined when it was discovered he used to be in a band called Skabba the Hutt.
i love this blog! i’m thinking about going to the new england popfest this year. i just wish i could find someone who would want to go with me. it seems that every person i show the schedule to says that they haven't heard of any of the bands. i wish i had more people to talk about this music that i love. maybe a hot topic like this will peek someone's interest? i'll bet this year's popfest will be buzzing with stories of the math and physics club's torrid past. i can't decide if i can miss it.
the bravery were ruined from the second they started the band. but that's neither here nor there.
jonny marr is in modest mouse now... do i think any less of modest mouse or jonny marr? no.
im pretty sure im going to the ne popfest.
So if Dave Navarro suddenly became the new guitarist for The Boy Least Likely To, you wouldn't think any less of them? Again, a band's lineage IS important. What this guy did before he joined Math & Physics Club DOES count. And Charles may joke about it damaging their indie-cred, but I'm sorry to tell him, it actually might with some fans. That's just the way it is. For better or worse, in this scene indie-cred does count for something.
boy least likely to are awful.
so dave navarro would be perfect for them.
Well your rational is outlandish. Dave Navarro is a huge celebrity, and he has an "image" of being, well, a douche. I dont think kevin's being in a funk band for a few years has really done anything to his "image" that you seen to be so worried about. The music comes before anything else, I think you really need to get your priorities in order here. I dont think there are any current MAPC fans that would disown the band in light of Kevin being in a funk band. My friends are still friends with me even though I used to have braces and collected pokemon cards.
also, i'd like to think that if you have nothing good to say, you might as well say nothing at all.
This makes me so excited for the New England Pop Fest! MAPC are going to be wonderful. I love them!
Did I somehow miss the part where my musical tastes were somehow inferior to everyone else? ... . And, apparently, if you're a fan of indie music, you're not ALLOWED to like successful bands. I listen to the music I like. What am I getting at here? I think indie music fans are just ridiculously stupid and close minded.
i sort of agree. the genre of "Indie" music has become about the lamest thing i have ever tried to interpret, but i occasionally find mp3s i like on this blog.
math & physics club t-shirt idea!
"we are not the funk band they say we are"
claire, where did not liking popular bands even come up in this discussion?
Charles, I can understand you wanting to protect your band-mate, but I think you may be coddling him a bit. Kevin is a big boy. He should be able to fight his own battles.
In case you guys are wondering, I will be the one yelling "bring the funk" on October 8th in Northampton.
i agree there have been a number of questionable matinée cds but i do like the first math and physics club ep. does anyone know if their album is going to be released on vinyl?
I don't share Jimmy Tassos' taste in pop music for the most part either. Although, I think The Lucksmiths have something great goin' on.
the drama at the ne popfest is going to be priceless! the purists will be questioning mapc's cred and charles will be telling them that they have no clue what it means to be indie. this is too cool!
ok i was curious about this central services band that some of you had mentioned. i found an mp3 called 'four letter word' and besides being a title you might give a song that you wrote in junior high, it sounded like an emerson, lake & palmer b-side. the music didn't bug me as much as it's stupid title.
Jimmy's bongo playing on the Airport Girl song 'Easier To Smile' has always bothered me. "Hey, if you let me play on your record I'll put it out"
Wow, this post is crazy!
I love M&PC AND Central Services. Imagine that!
this post IS crazy! how did this happen?
jeez, guys, is there anything else you supposed "fans" want to throw at MAPC? This is just ridiculous, do you not have anything nice to say?
matt, i like the mapc a lot but you have to admit the funk band is a bit funny
i mean, yeah, i chuckled a bit, but it's definitely no cause to fault them like many other commenters have done.
When Math and Physics Club take the stage in Northampton they are going to silence all these haters. I guarantee it! I have never seen them play but I know they are going to be wonderful.
Matt, Is this one of the craziest posts you've ever had?
yeah pam, this has got out of control pretty fast. besides contests this is most ocmment on a post before.
Hipsters better wear helmets! At the New England Popfest, Math and Physics Club are going to rock the crowd to pieces! It's going to be exciting the see the impact this west coast band has over an east coast audience. They are going to be freaking amazing!! I feel sorry for The Snow Fairies, who have to follow them. The entire crowd will need to go cool it's jets after their set, otherwise they will explode with all the excitement! This I promise you.
I think what bands members of a current band have been in means fuck all. Unless they were in, you know, Skrewdriver or something. So people shouldn't be giving MAPC hassle for this whole funk band business.
On the other hand, members of MAPC should try to sound less like whiney bitches when replying to a bit of light-hearted mockery.
<3
yeah, if i were the snow fairies i wouldn't set my hopes too high. guys, you are going to be crushed by m&pc.
Liam, I agree with you. For the most part, this has been light-hearted mockery and both Charles and James of MAPC sounded whiney when they replied. I don't give a fuck about the funk band but their response to it made me sort of dislike them.
Well, this seems to have gotten slightly out of hand, eh? Since I'm largely responsible for that, my apologies to Matt for fanning the flames on his blog. I know I should just keep my mouth shut, and if we had a publicist then I'm certain she'd be frantically trying to tape my fingers together right now, but we don't, and I'm a glutton for punishment. The interesting thing to me is why some of you think it wasn't okay to jump in to defend my friend and bandmate? If you saw a bunch of people bashing your buddy in a public forum would you just ignore it? I personally think people should stick up for each other. Of course they can defend themselves, but sometimes its nice if they don't have to. I do apologize if my response turned anyone off, but I felt there was a complete lack of respect going on that struck a nerve with me. I hope you can appreciate that. Anyway, if you like our music then come out to the show in Northampton, it'll be really fun with lots of good bands. I hope we can live up to the hype. We'll be kicking off our set with some Parliament... :)
ps - Thanks Roulie! If you're coming to Popfest please bring along your trumpet and play a song with us!
Amazing. Skatterbrains most popular topic ever is about MAPC!
I agree with Liam about it making no difference whatsoever who is in the band, or what their past is... it is the output NOW that matters. The example about Dave Navarro was crazy... but if he did join The Boy Least Likely To, and pulled on a nice knitted jumper, and played the music expected by the band, then would their fans be bothered? It's all about the music..... MAPC make nice music, and as this topic is about MAPC then we should just go "oooo I can't wait for the album!".
MAPC are going to crush every other band at the popfest in october. just wait!
i glanced at the new england popfest schedule and sunday seems like the ONLY day worth going. i agree, mapc are going to be the best band at the festival.
Math & Physics Club are 10 times better than Secret Shine!
Wait! Make that 20 times better than Secret Shine. Why aren't M&PC headlining anyway?
MAPC are going to bury the other bands in their own humiliation!
a popfest knows no fury like former-funk band scorned!
i cant go now! :(
Math and Physics Club are probably my favorite group ever. Seriously, I heard “Movie Ending Romance” and it changed my life. I’ve only seen them once in San Francisco, and needless to say, it was an amazing show. Colorful streamers shot from the ends of their guitars and strobe lights were flashing. I'm so sad I'm going to miss the popfest.
wait a minute. are you people saying mapc are going to out-rock bunnygrunt? i think not!
Hey Ethan,
It's so obvious you think you're hot shit. Well, you and your band Math and Pussy Club can bring your colorful streamers to the popfest but I guarantee you are NOT going to be the best band. I know you guys think you are going to drop in here and steal the show, but you're not. A lot of people here are turned off by your arrogance, and I am one of them. I know you don't care, you actually told us, but I don't like Central Services either. See you in October.
guys, mapc's only getting defensive because youre overanalyzing everything they say. there are more negative things in these comments then positive and if i was in the band, i'd probably be reacting along the same lines as them.
Central Services and Toto both make smooth music that ROCKS!!!!
And if you want to hear a track from the upcoming Math and Physics Club record, you should listen to the latest Three Imaginary Girls podcast. "April Showers" is the first track.
I sure hope you guys don't make fun of any of the other bands we picked... ;)
math & physics club is like the bon jovi and journey of the indiepop scene. hehehe.
You are all crazy.
Seriously, though, I'm sure we ALL have skeletons in our collective closets. I was in a band that did a medley of Pearl Jam's "Alive" and Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" at a high school talent show in 1993. I've seen Sheryl Crow in concert (I was there to see Wilco, but still...). What bothers me most about this is the implication that being in a funk band (regardless of quality) is something impure whereas being in an indie pop is the height of artistic endeavors. That's ludicrous as any Sly and the Family Stone fan will tell you. The funk world has long been one of the most inclusive in terms of gender, race, and previous band history. I wish that indie rock was so inclusive.
MAPC should be proud of the skeletons in their closet. It's a lot more interesting than the backstory of half of the other bands out there.
And I think that Dave Navarro joined the Boy Least Likely To would be interesting, if nothing else.
Did anyone notice that the mp3 link was 'removed by request'? Did Math and Physics Club request to have the mp3 from their new cd taken off this blog because their feelings were hurt? If that's the case, that's just sad. They fucking suck and that's all there is to it!
michael that isnt why the mp3 was removed. Jimmy wanted it down because he will be releasing a better quality mp3 in the coming weeks. now stop making assumptions.
Matt, I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. Jimmy Tassos is a notorious flake.
it's true. he is a skatterbrain! excuse the pun.
Funk??????
good lord!
Again, somebody please put me in touch with the guy who calls himself toledo knives. I'd appreciate it.
breathinghope@gmail.com
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