The Beatings: The Heart, the Product, the Machine and the Asshole

Band: The Beatings
Release: The Heart, the Product, the Machine and the Asshole
Release Date: 2003
Label: Midriff Records

The Beatings are from Boston, and from what I read, were sort of indie darlings for a while. Well it’s over a decade after this was released and I’m cleaning out my basement, fulfilling all the reviews I said I’d write when I posted an address for PR companies to send review copies to. I want to die with a clean conscience.

What this is: A six song EP filled with slow, sloppy-ish, sometimes shambling, sometimes shoe gazing, sometimes vaguely country influenced songs that sound like they were recorded in someone’s basement who know a thing or four about being an audio engineer. Maybe it’s just the vocals that were overdubbed in a hallway. Basically, its something that I would have probably gone to see in the early 90’s if there was nothing else that night, and had an all right time, probably better if I knew these guys. It’s not something that really grabs your attention, but you could easily leave it on in the background. The song “This Year” is bit jarring in the context of the album, because the lead vocals have switched to female out of the blue audit almost seems like different project. I was going to get rid of it after the review, but something about Transvestite Bar kind of stuck with with me. College rock! Also, I’m an idiot.

Verdict: I ended up keeping this record because it reminds me of when I went to college. Not the first time, but the second time. You know, the time I actually finished. One day it will come on randomly over iTunes, playing outside by the fire pit and someone will say “I used to love these guys…”