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'Ice Dogs' by Man Man

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• "Ice Dogs"
• CD: Six Demon Bag
• Artist: Man Man
• Label: Man Man
• Released: 2006

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Man Man tears through many genres on its way to something resembling pop.

Thursday's Song

• Song: "Ice Dogs"
• Artist: Man Man
• CD: Six Demon Bag
• Genre: Cabaret-Rock

 

NPR.org, March 16, 2006 - Man Man's full-bodied, freewheeling waltzes reside somewhere between Broadway musicals and vintage 45s. Singer Honus Honus's gruff-but-lovable growl recalls Tom Waits or Nick Cave, as he attacks his keyboard like a frenzied concert pianist, while the rest of Man Man wields pots and pans, whistles and chimes, synthesizers and xylophones, and triumphant flutes and trumpets.

The result sounds like a jaunty circus orchestra, but it's equal parts Pirates of Penzance and One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest. Moving through an impressive array of phases, "Ice Dogs" conjures endless surprises on its way to a warped variation on easy-listening pop, as it passes through chaotic noise, haunted art-school rock, and a groovy victory song channeling '60s girl groups.

The result sounds like a lost radio hit beamed in from an alternative universe. With its swinging coda and velvety-smooth backup vocals, the melody lingers long after the song is gone.

Listen to yesterday's "Song of the Day."