Tag Archives: guided by voices

Video Clip of The Week: Izzy True, “Mr. Romance”



First things first: Izzy True is the name of a Band, not an individual. That said, the punky-folk quartet’s guitarist/vocalist is named Isabel (Reidy), so no doubt that was an influence on the band’s moniker. And why not? Her voice is compelling in the same way that Robert Pollard’s lo-fi vocal stylings make every Guided By Voices fan swoon the moment he opens his mouth. Thematically, the video for “Mr. Romance” explores nonchalant germophobia and sexual fluidity in a humorously engaging manner, and there are so many visual distractions that you can watch this thing 10 times and notice or focus on new stuff with each successive viewing. I like that. And, man, does she ever have nice skin.

“Mr. Romance” is the lead track off Izzy True’s debut LP Nope, released just this past week via Don Giovanni Records. With songs about “magic, loneliness, and learning to like yourself,” press calls Nope “a rock and roll album which makes space for misery.” Don’t tell me you’re not curious to hear it.  Izzy True tour dates are below. Enjoy!

Izzy True Mr Romance Still
Izzy True is a Band

Izzy True Live Dates:

8/7: Leesburg, VA @ Cultured Cafe
8/8: Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
8/9: Virginia Beach, VA @ Back Bay Brewing
8/10: Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
8/11: Rock Hill, SC @ The Courthouse
8/12: Savannah, GA @ QuoLab
8/13: Greensboro, NC @ Urban Grinders
8/14: Asheville, NC @ The Odditorium
8/15: Nashville @ Charlie Bob’s
8/17: Bloomington, IN @ The Void
8/18: Milwaukee, WI @ Riverwest Public House
8/19: Madison, WI @ Williamson Magnetic Recording Company
8/20: Chicago, IL @ Club Soda
8/21: Detroit, MI @ Donovan’s
8/22: Buffalo, NY @ Dreamland
8/23: Syracuse, NY @ Spit House
8/24: Providence, RI @ Aurora
8/25: Worcester, MA @ The Firehouse
8/26: Boston, MA @ O’Brien’s
8/27: Wallingford, CT @ Wamleg
8/28: New Paltz, NY @ Commissary
8/29: Flemington, NJ @ TBA
8/30: Northhampton, MA @ TBA
8/31: Allentown, PA @ Consolidated Cardboard
9/1: Rochester, NY @ Small World Books
9/2: Toronto, ON @ D-Beastro

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Video Clip of The Week: “Gun Shy” By Weed

Weed Deserve Cover

See Video at This Link Because it won’t embed on my site! Aargh!

Here’s another example of a band successfully going back in time in order to appear forward thinking, as Canadian noise rockers Weed make use of VHS Cassette-quality technology for the visually disquieting clip accompanying a decidedly brilliant post-apocalyptic tune they call “Gun Shy.” While this is possibly the most deliberately lo-fi recording I’ve heard in years that did not involve Guided By Voices, I find what Pitchfork described as the “familiar yet wonderfully warped sound of a mix tape that had been decaying in the glove compartment of an abandoned car since 1991” to be an odd combination of exhilarating and comforting. I believe the aesthetic is what we used to affectionately refer to as “Punk Rock” before that phrase ceased to have any meaning in a modern context. Also, the singer’s vocals remind me of Wire Train (Google them).

Although Weed have been around for a decade, this track comes off of what is, surprisingly, the band’s debut album, Deserve. Find out more about the World of Weed by visiting their awesome website and blogThis Link. Enjoy!