The Aliens
Astronomy for Dogs (Astralwerks)
By Emily Becker
Published: July 8th, 2007 | 5:59pm
After “Dry the Rain,” the lead-off track from the Beta Band’s The Three E.P.’s, nothing the band has done has been as compelling. So imagine the promise held by Astronomy for Dogs, the first full-length CD released by the Aliens, which reunites ex–Beta Band members John MacLean and Robin Jones with Gordon Anderson, who co-wrote “Dry the Rain.” Anderson would have been a full-fledged member of the Beta Band himself if he had not required a near decade-long stay in psychiatric care just as the band got signed. After reuniting with the man that helped them write their best song, the band should be poised to resume working at their creative peak, right?
Unfortunately, on Astronomy for Dogs the promise of “Dry the Rain” goes frustratingly unfulfilled. While the CD does not play just like a lukewarm version of the Beta Band redux, the low points are so low that one wonders how they made it to the record. These are experienced musicians, so it is alarming that “The Happy Song” whose lyrics are primarily a repetition of the word “happy” wasn’t relegated to use as a warm-up in the practice space. Anderson is reputed to have written close to 5000 songs, so it’s hard to believe this was one of his top eleven. Wondering what “Honest Again” sounds like? Imagine a collaboration between REO Speedwagon and Muzak.
Even on “Rox,” one of the catchiest tracks, as the Aliens try to beat the Happy Mondays to their own revival, they choose to reuse the uninspired lyrics from “Robot Man,” repeating “I am the Robot Man” throughout the song. Because much of the instrumentation on Astronomy for Dogs is derivative, greater attention to lyrical detail would have made this a stronger record. A couple of the tracks are well executed and still enjoyable. “Tomorrow” faithfully recreates Roy Orbison’s sound. While “Glover” clocks in at an indulgent eight minutes, it successfully blends elements of classic ‘60s British pop with spacey electro samples. “I am the Unknown” mines the Primal Scream back catalog, which is nothing new for the Beta Band, but unlike past efforts that hinted at something more, this song plays like a straight cover, until the bridge when it turns into an ELO song and Anderson sings, “If you don’t look back, it’ll be all right now.” Let’s hope he takes his own advice.
Issue #34
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