The Fratellis sure do love girls, rocking out

By Kylie Jane Wakefield
Collegian Editor
March 21, 2007

As I take a close look at my music collection, I notice that it’s increasingly become… European. What can I say? Listening to musicians with accents makes me feel, in some weird way, cool. Between The Streets, Lady Sovereign and The Arctic Monkeys, I have my hands pretty full. But this week, Scottish band The Fratellis released their first album, Costello Music, and, after hearing their music on an iPod commercial months ago, I couldn’t resist.

The Fratellis are kind of like The Ramones. These three immensely talented post-punk rockers have the same last stage name (Fratelli), which means “brothers” in Italian. Their songs are structurally simple and the most of lyrics dismiss seriousness. The Fratellis just project downright swankiness, like The Ramones.

Besides that, The Fratellis are composed of three Scottish 20-somethings, Barry (the bassist), Mince (the drummer) and John (the lead guitarist/vocalist). They’re the kind of guys you’d see chugging down Guinness in a pub, inciting Scottish chants and buying the whole place a round of drinks. On Costello Music their playful personalities shine through in their songs about girls, causing trouble and well, more girls.

The impressive album opens with “Henrietta,” a track about (presumably) a groupie that makes you want to hear the next 12 tracks as soon as possible. “Flathead” comes second. You might’ve heard it in the new iPod commercials where those same silhouetted dancers jam to some kickin’ tunes, only this time there are more vibrant designs and colors as the backdrop. This is easily one of the best songs on the album, with its hook of “Bara bap ra ra ra…” engraved in your mind after the first time you hear it.

“Whistle For the Choir,” the only slow-paced song, is an anthem devoted to a certain honey who makes the lyricist hear sweet music. Tracks four and eight, “Chelsea Dagger” and “Creepin Up the Backstairs,” are easily some of the catchiest ones, with their upbeat rhythms and rhyming lyrics to keep you listening over and over.

“Vince the Loveable Stoner,” the album’s ninth track, is about a heartbreaker who falls for a sex worker, in which The Fratellis show their humorous side. They sing, “Now Vince has a big crush/He said she’s so easy/ She gets naked for a living/She ain’t afraid of giving (aha).” The Fratellis don’t care for seriousness; it’s clear they’d just rather have a good time.

Other favorites of mine are “For the Girl,” “Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night” and the album’s closer, “Ole Black ‘N’ Blue Eyes.” Each of the 13 tracks could probably be heard in any number of iPod commercials or miscellaneous ads because they all have the power to stand on their own. Together, they create one of the best albums of 2007 and a strong beginning for this notable young band.

Costello Music is nothing short of excellent, especially for a debut album. Every song is a sing-along, tap-your-foot, shake-your-bum hands down snappy anthem devoted to girls, light-hearted fun and whatever else The Fratellis damn well please. These fierce Scots, who have already solidified their spot in the industry with Costello Music, show no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

wakefieldk1@lasalle.edu