Rootnode's Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia review (3 1/2 stars out of 4)

Rootnode.org
Thirteen Tales From Urban bohemia
by Stephen K
July 4, 2001

Although the Dandy Warhols are probably most famous for nude on-stage antics, they are truly talented. Their latest album, "Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia" sees them blossom remarkably from previous work. It is a more cohesive product then their traditionial blissed-out style, featuring a sense of mature hippieism. From the moment the play button is pressed you are taken on an aural wonderland of intruigingly varied and diverse styles of songs.
The opener "godless" is quintessential Dandy Warhols. It is a heavy themed song with a criminally, infectious melody gelled to a driving rythym. Its soaring trumpets and heavy guitar make for a blissfull entrance to the album. The next song "Mohommed" is possibly the most beautiful song I have ever heard. Its flow and clever simplicity are breathtaking. "Neitczhe" will knock you right off of your feet with its furious "wall of sound" guitars and sheer distorted fury.
The fourth song sees a departure from the religion, or atheism, of the first three songs. "Country Leaver" is a staight foward bouncy simple song. It is this albums "Ringo song". "Solid" is a song of indifference which I am indifferent to. Catchy enough though.
The next song is "Horse Pills", a roaring tribute to over indulging on drugs-I love it! This is followed nicely by "Get Off", which in my book replaces Jimmy Hendrix's "Foxy Lady" as the best horny man song of all time. Seriously, its brilliant. Things inevitably take a turn for the more subdued with "Sleep". On "Sleep" the blistering pace of the album takes a break to allow the listener to re-couperate. That is not to say "Sleep" is a bad song, au contrare! It a soothing piece of comfort music to be savoured. Back to rock with the next song "Cool Scene" which is pretty much a loser anthem, very contained anger, self doubt and bitterness kind of stuff. Classic.
This next song deserves its own paragraph, what am I saying? It deserves its own movie, TV channel and book deal. It is a masterpiece of pure rock that the Stones would be proud of. As the case in all good songs, simplicity is the key. "Boehemian Like You" holds true to this maxim. It's knowingly shallow lyrics complement one of the most effective four chord turn arounds I have ever heard. You will surely be singing this one in your sleep.
"Shakin" a rocking gem of a song. The remaining songs on the disc become increasingly less heavy and more reflective and sublime. This album is destined to be a classic.