The Beets
The Beets enjoy themselves in discomfort, thriving in their custom of isolationism. They are always looking to shake up things to remain in that position. Being there evokes the feeling that you get when you hear them. Proper, enjoyable and offensive, but neither of those describe them correctly.
The music has been heralded as “folk,” “garage,” and “punk,” but it is not quite any of those things. It’s just good American rock, an ideology they strive to carry on with. It’s all about the songs, the way they are played and the way in which the message is carried. It has always been about that and The Beets understand that. The focus stays intact. Their lyrics are dark but handled sensibly, not preaching but giving advice on not following advice…or doing as they do, but not really. You see how it can get confusing!
One thing’s for certain of The Beets from Queens, NY: respect isn’t something you get, it’s something you take. On these new sounds of theirs, The Beets offer two songs by their God, Howard Stern. On one side you get the immediate-sounding “Silver Nickels and Golden Dimes;” a pre-punk nugget handled by The Beets in the fashion that it should be. The flip side is the more mellow, gentle “Psychedelic Bee”, sung sweetly by Chie Mori. It’s delicate, delightful, and wistful.