Blow

Paper Television - Album Review

One of the truly exciting things about life is the fact that at any time we can stumble upon things that are so unique and likeable almost completely by accident. This was how I was introduced to The Blow.

One winter evening this year I had my choice between a nap or joining a friend to drive out to Brandeis to watch a free music show. Usually opting for a nap, I decided to try something new and came upon the fantastic act of Khaela Maricich aka The Blow (note: member Jona Bechtolt recently left the band to pursue his own project, YACHT).

Imagine: it is just her on stage telling stories, dancing and singing along with a prerecorded set of electronic music. The stories she tells are always about some boy or girl and the fascination of love just out of reach. One looks forward to the pauses between the songs just as much as the songs themselves to hear the next anecdote in her trials of love.

Paper Television is The Blow's most recent album. Definitely check out track #2 "Parentheses" which should be the song everyone dances to at their wedding. Track #10 "True Affection" has an underwater fantasy world sound that I have personally listened to over and over at great length. The recordings are fantastic but don't think it's any replacement for seeing her live. The Blow will be at the MFA on Saturday, October 6th. MORE than enough time to buy your ticket, so no excuses.

Originally published in Spare Change News 9/13/07.