The Walkmen A Hundred Miles Off

Excellence defines the validity of a band where the music is concerned.  Will I listen to this album 20 years later?  Will there be special editions, b-sides collectables, demos, etc. to celebrate the excellence?  It seems that this era provides so little of that music, especially when you see the type of Special 2CD Editions arriving from classic bands of the past, who can no longer provide the music that this generation finds acceptable.

The Walkmen, on their third album, seems to have found the same road that so few have found.  With 12 songs of perfection in this latest release, A Hundred Miles Off, we can make allusions to whom they remind of, and they do remind of plenty (I’m partially reminded of Mott the Hoople in several aspects (check out “All Hands And The Cook”), U2 at points, and Bob Dylan in vocal delivery).  There’s even a sprightly sense of Interpol here, which brings into play all of the influences that is on display for that band.  But make no mistake; The Walkmen brings their own brand of music to a thirsty audience.

The Walkmen deliver passion and heart on every word and note of every song.  You get the feeling that they put everything on the line here.  

Hamilton Leitthueser sings on “Danny’s At The Wedding,” “…I hope you found what you were lookin’ for….” The Walkmen gives us plenty of what we were looking for.  It remains for you to discover what they offer.  And yes, I’ll be revisiting this title years from now.