Back when The Tyler Forret was alive and posting, the first thing he wrote on this site was talking about some songs he was digging at the time. Two of those songs were from this album. Before he passed away, Tyler would always talk about how one of his favorite bands was The Thermals. I had heard a few songs by them and liked them, but didn’t feel the need to explore their music more extensively. So as a tribute to my friend, this week is the latest from The Thermals, Now We Can See. This one’s for you, buddy.
Although I know very little about the genre, I would say that The Thermals are somewhere between blink-182 and The Dead Kennedys in the punk spectrum. The Thermals are a little different in that where the music is sort of simple and repetitive, the melodies work their way into your brain and get stuck there. There are a lot of times I will be walking around humming a song and am surprised that it is off of this album. I guess I am officially a fan now.
Click here to read (and listen to) Tyler’s original post about two of these songs. I agree with him that “I Called Out Your Name” is one of the best songs from the album.
One of my favorite songs is “We Were Sick”. Listen to the end. The rhythm section is tiiiiiight. Apparently it’s one chick, Kathy Foster. Great job Kathy.
“We Were Sick”
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Another one of my favorites is “When I Was Afraid”. When I think about music in a technical way, it frightens and confuses me. I could be wrong, but I think this song alternates between major and minor chords? Either way, I really like the guitar part. Maybe that is the best way to say that. “I really like the guitar in this song.”
“When I Was Afraid”
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I guess I’m a little surprised that I like this so much, but it’s really grown on me over the dozen or so times I’ve heard it. It could use more dragons. Other than that setback, I will listen to this frequently, and you should, too.
UPDATE: I just remembered after I wrote this that The Tyler Forret is still alive. He is just “too busy” to contribute to our “crappy little website”. Cheers! Lots Of Love.
Now We Can See
4 3/16 out of 5 stars.
You are so NOT right!!! I was getting ready to bake a casserole to bring over to help you thru the grieving process in the loss of The Tyler Forret. Thank goodness I read the whole thing.
You had me worried and confused about my own existence, Josh!
I’m glad you like the album. Good and fair review.
Also, while I have been “too busy” to contribute lately, “crappy little website” are Josh’s words not mine!
Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer = Lots of Love
Ha ha Tyler! Now everyone knows you are a JERK!
I will definitely have to check this out. Glad reports of The Tyler’s untimely demise were unfounded.
“Ha ha Tyler! Now everyone knows you are a JERK!” ):
This is a pretty great album and way better than their last. Fun little anecdote about The Thermals. Back in the early 00′s maybe before their album More Parts Per Million came out they were getting ready to play a house show with some bands, namely The Slats (great band) and some others. The Thermals were slotted to play later b/c, well, they’re The Thermals! Turns out The Thermals felt they had better things to do so they just got up and left the place without telling anyone. F*cking jerks! That being said, they put out great music.
No wonder I like them. Jerks of a feather…
Takes one to know one, Josh. I got you back good!