One Track Mind

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Of all the songs I’ve posted to this site since last May, few generated as much deliberation as this song from The Disco Biscuits‘ upcoming February 2nd release, Planet Anthem. Prior to receiving this track, I admittedly wasn’t too familiar with the Philadelphia band, despite the fact that they have been together for fifteen years; the only thing I really knew about them was that if you liked “cool” music, you were supposed to avoid them. Since then, I’ve learned that they are the progenitors of a movement deemed “trance-fusion,” they curate an annual festival (Camp Bisco), and that the Biscuits routinely sell a quarter million concert tickets each year without conventional promotion tactics (which is quite an accomplishment, no matter what their music sounds like).

In an attempt to overcoming whatever prejudices I had against the band, I gave “On Time” a listen and was surprised to find it a pleasure… even if it is a guilty one. Sure, it’s slick with the lube of mainstream appeal–it is more than a little reminiscent of that one Black Eyed Peas song we all secretly love when we’re drunk–and the dudes in the press photo look like total doucheburgers, but this track is undeniably infectious and filled with surprising little turns to keep the listener engaged. It’s the sort of stupid, fun jam you hope for in the summer, easy to bob your head to and filled with silly lyrics.

The truth, though, is that “On Time” is pretty excellent from a musical standpoint. With its sassy bassline and paralyzed synthesizers, the verses have a tasty technofunk thang goin’ on, and there is no refuting the gargantuan nature of the chorus hooks. Sometimes, the best thing a song can force you to do is loosen up; with this track, The Disco Biscuits score high marks on that front. I’m especially curious to read what everyone has to say about this song. If you’re going to fillet me, please be gentle.