What does it sound like?:
Speedvark are Pedro Flatt (‘A’) and Ben Raudnitz (‘B’). They are the Didi and Gogo of Pop, simply existing in a surreal and mundane world, waiting. They formed as a ‘band’ in 1986 and released this, their debut in the year 2000. Their second and most recent album came out in 2016. Maybe, there will be a third in 2032, if they aren’t dead by then. Actually, I think that was Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Pigeon Pop challenges the very concept of Pop Music by eschewing flamboyance and redefining the parameters of success. It’s a nice album, a description that many might take as an insult. It’s pleasant to listen to with some beautifully recorded multilayered vocals. There are a few choruses but nothing that comes close to an ear worm, though Nervous is quite catchy (the chorus is the word “nervous” repeated every couple of seconds). The song topics include a lollipop, a black fly, a lava lamp, a man who works in market research, plants, a wooden spoon and someone called Geoffrey Ace. The lyrics are mildly amusing rather than laugh-out-loud funny. Speedvark play as if no-one is listening, relaxed, focussed and unassuming, as though they are professionals pretending to be amateurs, rather than amateurs trying desperately to sound professional to impress a handful of their friends and family. The listening time flies by. It’s better today than the last time I listened to it when I tacked on a mini-review to my thoughts on their second album in 2016, but that’s no thanks to the three bonus tracks that unnecessarily prolong the album. I doubt it will trouble my ears much again. Its memory does not linger but I will think of it fondly.
The best thing about this reissue, celebrating Pigeon Pop’s 22nd anniversary, is their own self-deprecating ‘press’ on bandcamp. Under merch, options include a CD at £1000, priced because they don’t want to sell any, a T shirt they haven’t made yet and one of the band members, Ben, available for 50p. Someone spoils it by likening them to Talking Heads. The homemade cover is very pretty.
What does it all *mean*?
There is great merit in a lack of ambition. Having a low bar means that success is far more likely. Speedvark exceed their wildest dreams.
Goes well with…
A sense of curiosity. What do A and B get up to in real life in Hemel Hempstead?
Release Date:
Out now
Might suit people who like…
Pop Music is meant to be joyous, frivolous, glamorous and in-your-face. It is not built to last nor address the deep philosophical questions of life. This album is for introverts who prefer their Pop polite, well mannered and thoughtful.
Tiggerlion says
Out-of-date Promo for UK Tour (3 gigs in total) using Nervous as backing track. Explore Youtube. Some of their uploads have had four views.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
I’m not taking any more drugs, ever.
“Maybe, there will be a third in 2032, if they aren’t dead by then. Actually, I think that was Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.”
Moose the Mooche says
My thoughts imprecisely.
Hawk, handsaw, very like a whale, galls his kibe, stabbed through the arras etc
Tiggerlion says
I’m glad to see you back. I thought you were gone for ever.
Moose the Mooche says
Dude, so did I. Turns out I’d just gone to move the bins
Twang says
Sounds underwhelming. Ta for the tip.
Feedback_File says
They make The Feedback File look massive which is an impressive achievement
Tiggerlion says
I did think this was a trap and both A and B are Afterworders.