Paragraph

Paragraph

(Paragraph)

US release date: 14 June 2009

UK release date: Import

By Joe Tacopino

cover art
 Amazon
 Lala

These neo-funk youngsters from Staten Island have created an album that echoes the effeminate appeal of Prince, while showcasing some legitimate club tracks that fit both dance floors and make-out-party soundtracks. Everything from the soothing falsetto to the porn-flic guitar licks to the euphemistic lyrics and puerile embrace of the cover art oozes big-time sensuality. Paragraph is from a painfully insulated music scene, where bands are tripping over themselves to be covered by Pitchfork. And the band’s early work narrowly fit the indie mold that was expected and embraced by the borough scenesters. Performing on literally the same block where Cymbals Eat Guitars reside, Paragraph noted that on this new album it would be working more with drum programming and synths—and you can imagine the expectations here—but instead of going the easy route of MGMT-inspired indie rock, Paragraph has instead launched full-bore into ‘70s-inspired funk and soul with a record that screams for a DFA remix. Someone needs to tell James Murphy about these guys.

— 26 August 2009
 
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Comments

Cymbals Eat Guitars are from the other side of the island. And I know a ton of bands on Staten Island and while I’m sure they’d appreciate the blessing of Pitchfork they hardly are tripping over themselves for it. Paragraph is still pretty great, fun fact recently Cymbals Eat Guitars opened for them.

Comment by Tim from Staten Island — August 27, 2009 @ 4:51 pm

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