Search - Work of Saws :: Motivation and Watertower Grammar

I love sprawling buffets!

nyladrew | Minneapolis, MN USA | 03/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pop the c.d. in the player and plan on spending the next hour experiencing catchy, lovely melodies - all done up in tasty, non-filling, sizes. (Just when you were getting into it the song will end!) But thats okay because the next one grabs you in a sweet little hug and there isn't time to lament. Motivation and Watertower Grammar is perfect for short attention spans, or for those who don't need to have everything spelled out for them. Each song is distinctly its own - from lo-fi to hi-fi to show tunes. Its definitely a buffet, but the songs still hang together, making up a story along the way. Its kind of like a cul-de-sac of the endearingly bizarre, with lots of little driveways off the main drag that you get to explore. On the second listen you'll be singing along, harmonizing, maybe even adding your own bits. Its impossible not to because nothing hides itself here. Each part lets itself be heard and even leaves a space for you. In this sense the songs are unlike most you hear today. Work of Saws do not explain themselves with "tears fall like rain" cliches, or with predictable stories told in three parts separated by the chorus, bridge deal. Its kinda hard to describe their music (which is part of their appeal for me). The only immediate comparison is to Guided By Voices - obviously an influence with their fondness for lyric/melody driven short songs. But still, they just don't sound like GBV. So if you are fond of bands that are hard to describe, have really original, imaginative lyrics and are sing-along-able then you should check out this debut c.d. - and let me know what you think."

Wonderfully unique album

abunaiyo | Southern California | 04/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unique? Start with 44 songs on a debut album. "Motivation and Watertower Grammar" is an incredible collection of compostions that will hook you and cause you to start humming them throughout the day. Brock Davis, David Salmela and company have a unique talent for carving out original melodies and lyrics that maintain an appealing and engaging rawness. While comparisons to Guided By Voices (with whom I am not familiar) seem apparent, I liken Work of Saws to the later Beatles in their intruiguing music and varied styles. I'm also reminded of early R.E.M.'s enigmatic lyrics and Elvis Costello's effusive creativity on his "Get Happy" album. As for favorite songs....where do I start...or end? "i don't feel stable" is a creepy, sullen, and disturbing gem. "tangerines and blue cheese" is a joyful, groovy, sing-a-long song. "buttercup, you're a canyon" is piano pop at its finest. Work of Saws seem to be influenced by a variety of musical styles, including rock, country, folk, blues, and jazz. If you appreciate the purity and energy of independent musicians, you will thoroughly enjoy this debut CD from Work of Saws. I'm looking forward to their next album. Now only one question remains....how many songs next time?"