Music Review

Man Man
Rabbit Habits
Anti Records
April 8, 2008
9.2/10

Pitchfork gave it an 8 and says it's not as good as their previous effort Six Demon Bag.
I disagree. While I enjoy both albums very much, the poppier appeal of Rabbit Habits makes this a more successful and enjoyable album.
Man Man is Philadelphia band of maniacs who create circus side-show music led by Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart. They're not afraid to take weird chances and get a little dirty.
On Rabbit Habits, the sound is a little more polished (as polished as a dirty circus can get). The band seems to know what it does best and it's safe to assume they have tried to do that as best they can.
From the opening Mister Jung Stuffed, Man Man kicks it off in high gear. Singer Honus Honus claims "I've been locked down way too long" in the first song - and it sounds like it. He lets himself go and gets nutso all over this record.
The Ballad of Butter Beans is a cartoonish race scored by a wooden xylophone and falsetto back up singers. It is vivid in its sounds.
Another unique highlight (featuring more falsetto back up singers) is the song Harpoon Fever (Queepeg's Playhouse). The use of a single key on a piano has never sounded better.
This album is a step into the more acceptable world of radio friendly music for Man Man, but why not attempt to get more recognition for all the hard work your band has been doing for six years?
I'm sure this will be in my top 10 albums come the end of 2008.