For music fans in the Dallas area, there is likely one answer that will be given to the question, “Which act is getting the most hype in the local media right now?“. For the most part, local fans will reply with “Why, The O’s, of course.” Sadly, there are many people that will answer that question with a certain hostility that would suggest they do not necessarily think the roots-y duo are deserving of such praise. Often-times when a local music blog has something positive to say, or simply something to note regarding The O’s, there are people quick to leave comments, expressing their displeasure at the percieved high-level of notoriety the band seems to be getting in a relatively short period of time together (a tad under a year, if I’m not mistaken). A tour through much of the country, multiple national blog mentions and a couple of regional cover stories have certainly done these guys well, and in turn, these spotlights have created a certain amount of resentment in the area it seems, even if it’s small amount from a very vocal minority.
After watching the latest installment of the excellent DC-9 in Space series, starring The O’s, I pondered the question of whether their positive pub was worthy or not, and the only answer I could come up with is that it must be appropriate as We Are The O’s is not only one of my favorite discs from any band in any area this year, but I have worn my copy out as I have memorized each note and lyric the way that my 8 year old nieces have memorized each episode of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. That said, I have added to the hype to a smaller extent (since I am not exactly a major media outlet) by blogging about them and telling friends about them, which obviously again, I think that type of praise is deserved as it’s coming from a fan, which is really all I am.
I guess the real question is when is the “hype” genuinely too much? In this case, it’s hard to tell. I havent read anything from this area’s two largest, mainstream sources for local music info, The Dallas Observer and DFW Quick, to suggest that anyone thinks The O’s will make us forget about Blind Lemon Jefferson, Edie Brickell, The Toadies, Erykah Badu, Funland, Polyphonic Spree, The Old 97′s, or any of Dallas/Ft. Worth’s other treasured musical exports, for that matter. Of course, there are, and will continue to be, people that simply decide that any placement in these widely-read publications results in a state of “over-hypedness” (or something like that).
For the first time, this past Sunday, I finally got to witness one of their frequent live gigs, and I’ll tell ya’… pretty good indeed. I spoke to John Pedigo (vocals, banjo, steel) right before the noon-time set (it was a special Sunday Brunch gig at The City Tavern) and he was skeptical on how well they would sound as the early hour was quite unusual for him to be playing. The fears that were instilled by Pedigo’s ominous tone were relieved as he and his partner, Taylor Young (vocals, guitar, kick drum) took the stage and belted out my favorite tracks from their still young catalog. Not only did they sound good, but they displayed the sarcastic humor that has become somewhat of a trademark of their live shows.
There you have it, as far as I’m concerned. I love thier record and was duly impressed to see them kick-drumming and pickin’ their way to a great live-show. Hype doesnt matter if you can play to a relatively packed house on a Sunday afternoon and have the crowd whoopin’ and hollerin’ as they are trying to recover from their Saturday indiscretions.
4 Responses
I’m still torn about The O’s. I think their record is good and they are good live. But, something about them gets on my nerves and I think it’s there non-stop sarcasm. They’re like two drunk buddies that have had a little too much to drink and won’t shut the eff up.
But, all-in-all, I really think that’s it. Other than that they are phenomenal.
You might be onto something Lance. Even though I think the sarcasm added to their performance in this specific case due to the overall scenario, it’s clear they werent “totally on”, as it was an early show, and not a full-set…it wasnt a full-on O’s show. Perhaps if I see them another few times over the next 5-6 months I may get a better feel for that and see more of what you are saying….
As one of the bloggers that has given The O’s exposure, I personally think the band is worthy of every bit of it. Yes, the band itself is barely a year old, but both John Pedigo and Taylor Young have been busting their butts in the local music scene. It’s an overnight sensation at least five, if not ten, years in the making. Frankly, I think there’s an attitude within the local music scene that wants to attack artists for the mortal sin of having success. I congratulate The O’s for their sinful accomplishments.
very true! I did fail to mention that both of thes guys have been in many area bands that have done well in their own right. I have written about both THe BAcksliders and Boys Named Sue here on this blog as well…as i said earlier in the post, I too think they are worthy of it. Also, I think there is a BIG difference between unwarranted “hype” and genuine “praise” for an artists work.