Can Joann Press:
(This page represents reviews & some bloggings. Blogs can also be found
through Elbo.ws
here)
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60 Second Review
(http://60secondreview.blogspot.com/search?q=Can+Joann)
June 11, 2007
I appreciate its introduction, as I close my eyes to recognize film credits
appear on the miniature screens that are the back of my eyelids. This is definitely,
the perfect opening instrumentation for a future indie film that will win countless
awards and change the world as we know it, in ‘pay it forward’ fashion.
Can Joann rocks, on ‘Hurt People Hurt People’ their album recorded
in a farm house located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. With nine total tracks
your equation works out as such; [a hint of head nod + smooth cool rocky blues,
equals]. There are poetic pen etches and successful attempts made to address
personal life issues that many of us face but don’t always acknowledge.
There’s quite a bit of self analysis going on here. Subtle and overt remarks
about society that display optimism and the belief of future progress ultimately
exist as well. ‘Hurt People Hurt People’ is actually an inspiring
story being told in song if you catch on to the plot early and pay attention
throughout.
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First Coast Newspaper - Jacksonvile, FL
(http://www.firstcoastnews.com/life/entertainment/news-article.aspx?storyid=74188)
January 23rd, 2007
By Paul Zimmerman
Chapel Hill based Can Joann is a band that is surrounded by mystery. In fact their bio simply states they are a four piece from Chapel Hill. That's it, no more. So based on that little tidbit of information, one would think that Can Joann would sound like every other band from the legendary indie capital. In fact, that's not the case. Can Joann sound about as similar to Superchunk as Frank Sinatra does to Slayer.
Caught somewhere between math rock, jangly indie rock, and post punk lies Can Joann. Here's a band that is equally as relaxed playing instrumentals for days on end as they are writing chunky riff laden songs. Can Joann flip back and forth between the two like a light switch goes on an off. In fact, that seems like a good analogy because the band is quite capable of turning both functions of the band on or off in a heartbeat.
The band's versatility is an asset as it allows the songs on Hurt People Hurt People to breathe and take all sorts of different paths while maintaining some sense of melody and structure. A song like "Dying on the Vine," has approximately 780 time changes but still manages to be memorable and quite an enjoyable tune. While, at times the band sounds like We Regazzi, the band for the most part sounds like a combination of Jawbox or SDRE meets Interpol or the Smiths (in a long shot) in a head on collision. A bizarre combination that by logic shouldn't work but somehow does.
Hurt People Hurt People isn't one of those records that sweeps you off your feet in the first thirty seconds. Instead, the more that Hurt People Hurt People is heard the more of a profound effect the record has. The songs slowly bore their way into your soul and make themselves comfortable. Their complicated nature takes a bit to get around but once the barrier is broken, the songs are precious delicate anthems exquisitely crafted and really quite good.
Whether it's their math like instrumental passages or their nearly jangly pop,
Can Joann is far from just another Chapel Hill band. Their elaborate music is
a celebration of their versatility and ability to make their instruments do
what they want. Hurt People Hurt People is the party favor from the celebration
and it's the sort of thing that's a keeper.
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The Independent Review of the Aiden Grace EP
(http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A23999l)
The Independent Weekly
By Grayson Currin (of Pitchfork & The Independent)
"The Aiden Grace EP"
Can Joann
(self-released)
Extended-Player-Creme-de-la-Créme Syndrome: An unfortunate disorder in which a young band spends an inordinate amount of time writing, rehearsing and recording new material only to release a short but spirited EP with loads of promise never fulfilled by the follow-up drag of an LP. Perhaps you're familiar with it through Kings of Leon and Vue, two recent cases who fell into the trap by way of their major label debuts in the past two years.
On that note, here's to Can Joann, the shakin' quartet from Chapel Hill whose The Aiden Grace EP pops open-and-shut as one of the most enjoyable 17 minutes in recent local pop memory. Not unlike The Rosebuds, Can Joann crafts smart, sticky, hook-heavy rock with consistent rhythmic simplicity and spare, effective guitar lines that speak to vinyl collections chock full of The Beatles, The Kinks and Paul Revere. These songs break the 180-second barrier, though, giving them a complexity beyond verse-chorus-verse pep. Can Joann sets itself apart with meticulous bridges, too, establishing a structure more suited for The Smiths (see "Old and Grey") and Franz Ferdinand (see "Banner Year") comparisons.
There's an open-road abandon and ebullience here, separating these Hill lads from certain stiffs across the pond. An open-road, distinctly American feel shines through during sing-alongs like "Lady Luck" and "Banner Year." If this bright four-song gem doesn't have a case of EPCCS (fancy, I know), we've got a keeper.
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Faronheit Review: "New (Random Segment): Sign This
Band"
(http://faronheit.blogspot.com/2006/10/new-random-segment-sign-this-band.html)
October 16th, 2006
So a couple weeks ago I got an email from a band out of Chapel Hill, NC known
as Can Joann. First off I immediately liked the band's name, which is usually
a good sign for me. Yes, I do find it more difficult to like bands with terrible
names. But name aside, what really sells me is the music, because even bands
with great names sometimes put out terrible music. This is not the case with
Can Joann. I was instantly taken in by the band's jangly guitar pop/garage rock
songs, probably because they felt so fun and familiar, yet completely new at
the same time. As I was attempting to lay a finger on what the band exactly
sounded like, I came up with a few different thoughts. Initially I thought they
were just like The Strokes but with Stephen Malkmus on vocals. Pavement at their
poppiest might also be a good comparison. But the more I listened the more influences
I latched onto. There's definitely pieces of The Clash and The Kinks to be found
within their songs. And if you're a fan of earlier Jets to Brazil this will
be right up your alley too. I'll also throw in Hockey Night, Dirty Pretty Things
and Nada Surf as even more references.
Though I can probably namedrop like this all day long, I'm going to stop there
because despite all these comparisons, Can Joann have forged their own unique
sound that's got an extremely catchy and addictive vibe to it. The more you
listen to it, the more it stays with you. I found myself humming "Indecision's
Way" while walking yesterday, and I'm always impressed when an unsigned
band can work its music into my subconscious. Speaking of which, why aren't
these guys signed yet? Labels, get on the phone already. In the meantime, you
can buy the band's full length "Hurt People Hurt People" for a mere
$7 via CD Baby. Do it now, thank me later, and get in on the ground floor with
a band that's got success written all over them.
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MP3 Hugger Reviews Hurt People Hurt People
(http://mp3hugger.blogspot.com/2006/11/can-joann-thicker-skin.html)
November 8, 2006
I'm all for music that creeps up on you but Can Joann take the notion a step
further. I have been chipping away at their debut LP 'Hurt People Hurt People'
for weeks now, all the while admiring their slightly camouflaged Strokes like
forays, but it's only in the last few days that the hidden extras have started
to reveal themselves. 'Hurt People Hurt People' is superficially enjoyable but
by extending your time together you'll figure out that many more rewarding treats
lay deeper inside its grooves. There's the cracking jangle of instrumental 'Endure
En Vogue' to be absorbed or the enticing exploration of 'Wine Colored Casket's
vast melodic vaults to look forward to. 'Thicker Skin' is another gem that exposes
Can Joann's considerable array of strengths such as the shuddering rhythms,
shimming riffs (Ryan Benjamin) and Joel Peck's commanding yet vibrant vocals.
All told this is another band to fall head over heels in love with. KD
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IndependentMusic Blog Reviews Hurt People Hurt People
(http://indiependentmusic.blogspot.com/2006/10/band-to-check-out-can-joann-album.html)
October 31st, 2006
I've always admired industrious bands with the right attitude. Bands like these
are the reason we started I.Music -to help underground bands get their music
out there- and we are grateful to be introduced to new music every other day!
Now let's get on to it: Can Joann plays the type of music you'd want to wake
up to on a Sunday morning. Chirpy and full of sunshine, the intro -reminiscent
of an underrated indie film soundtrack (which you should totally check out)-
tears into " After The Seizure's Gone" - like the nifty guitar work
there, and the vocals remind me of The Strokes. It's a good thing, since I love
that band to death. The upbeat " Dying On The Vine" incorporates clever
songwriting with some smooth, zippy bass lines...very catchy tune. "Indecisions
Way" is a hot favourite of many fans and I can see why. It makes you wanna
rock hard, and the reverberating drums are just wicked. Personally, I love "
Wine Coloured Casket" - from the clean, crispy guitar riffs to its fetching
melody. This fun sing-along number is definitely going into my iPod. Above the
rhythmical hooks and beats in " Trust Funded Poverty Parade", the
band muses on life's rough patches, and many questions are left hanging (to
which I find myself scratching my head afterwards). What? Never mind, just press
'replay'. This band is one too good to pass up.
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The Toronto Star "Anti-Hit List" Blurb
(http://www.thestar.com/)
October 28th, 2006
Though they grew up in the same neck of the woods as Superchunk and Ben Folds
Five, this Chapel Hill, N.C., band sound like they have more in common with
New York groups such as The Strokes and Interpol — specifically, a more
ambitious version of the former and a less ambitious version of the latter.
Which, come to think of it, is infinitely more preferable to the other way around
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Dirty Bronson (UK) Review
(http://dirtybronson.wordpress.com/2006/11/04/buzzbandcan-joann/)
November 4th, 2006
The Can Joann have been my favourite pop band since I got back. The instrumentalism
is tight as ants snatch. Excellent drumming backs up consistant base and lead
guitaring, but the thing that makes them stand out from many of their contempories
is their vocalisation. Their singer singers with an unrelenting conviction and
varied intonation where it is needed.
I must apologise for being behind the curve if looking on elbo.ws. But time
has only hardened my belief in this band. Nearest comparisons to this band would
be "Orson" except that much more magical and with a charming lack
of Californian gloss and sheen that the former perspire. Definitely on the radar,
enjoy.
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The Pelican's Perch Review
(http://www.xanga.com/pelican473/533326149/can-joann.html)
September 28th, 2006
The more I listen to the few mp3's they have at their site, the more I'm liking
them:
Their sound is a strange hybrid of The Thermals and Cursive. The singing sounds a lot like Tim Kasher from Cursive. I was undecided after hearing the first song I listened to, "After the Seizure's Gone", which pulls of the Thermals sound well, but I've only recently taken a liking to the Thermals. Each time I've returned to that song, I see more of a sound that I wish the Thermals would be. More melodic and less straightforward rock. The next song I listened to won me over. "Indecision's Way" reminds me of early Cursive in a lot of way, and is simply a great song recalling the gentler moments of Cursive.
Can Joann has a lot of potential. I mean that as a complete compliment, since
they have room to grow, as any new band does, and I see good things coming from
their next few albums. They're currently working on putting together a tour,
but are playing the Troika Music Festival in Durham, NC if you're anywhere near
there. Highlights from that festival include the Mountain Goats, Aesobi Seksu,
Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers (who I'd see in a second if I could),
Man Man, and Okkervil River. Since most of us won't be able to make that festival,
we'll just have to wait for them to start their tour.
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The Perm & Skullet Review
(http://mhayhurst.blogspot.com/2006/10/can-joann_11.html)
October 11th 2006
By Matthew Hayhurst
Formed in 2004, Can Joann are a Chapel Hill based band consisting of
4 members, Ryan Benjamin, Andrew Bernish, Cameron Kelly and Joel Peck. After
releasing an EP in 2005, we are graced with their official debut, titled Hurt
People Hurt People, which was recorded at Poxworld Empire and a rented 19th
century farm house in Chapel Hill.
Hook-heavy rock that makes you want to go to a show. You want to be at the door, arriving just a hair late as Indecision's Way echos through the corridor. Music that gets your heart pumping and you're excited that someone local is putting out music that doesn't demand a damp dark room with a shade less lamp. You grab a PBR bottle from the bar and enjoy the ride. Not to heavy and not to slow...just right.
I'm not from the Triangle area originally, but from what I've heard through dusting off some old 7"'s and finding a tape deck laying around and listening to this music from a historical point of reference, Can Joann just seems to fall in line with the natural progression of things and whether they mean to or not, upon first listening, there was this sound that hit me and I knew it was NC.
Listening to these guys brought me back to my days at The Covered Dish in Gainesville,
listening to rock music, and having a good time. From sampling the EP and now
Hurt People Hurt People, I'm officially a fan. I don't know if it's the clean
instrumentation, the song-writing, the hooks, but Can Joann isn't afraid to
take a broad swipe at NC's rock history and make it their own.
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Free Hip Hop Now Review
(http://freehiphopnow.blogspot.com/2006/10/who-are-can-joann.html)
October 3rd, 2006
"Who Are Can Joann?"
Well Can Joann is a band. Duh. And why are they on the Free Hiphop Now's Syndicate
Blog? Er Uh... because we think they're rather cool. That's why. Check for an
interview with the band in the near future on www.freehiphopnow.com In the meantime
you can check out these tunes...(from Hurt People Hurt People, self-released
2006) Indecision's Way, After the Seizure's Gone
(from The Aiden Grace EP, s/r 2005) Lady LuckCan Joann will be playing the Durham
Music Festival (Oct 18 - 21st, www.troikamusicfestival.org) alongside The Mountain
Goats, Okkervil River, The Rosebuds, and Portastatic.
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Here Comes The Flood Review
(http://blogger.xs4all.nl/werksman/archive/2006/10/19/135913.aspx)
October 19th, 2006
How does it feel to be in an Indie band in Chapel Hill, NC, USA? What do you
think? Will it make you feel miserable wanting you to take it out on unsuspecting
strangers? can joann named their self released album hurt people hurt people,
so ... The four members have a sceptic outlook on life, and that isn't necessarily
a bad thing. In half an hour can joann takes you to a trust-funded poverty parade,
picks up a thicker skin along the way and discusses the possibillity of dying
on the vine (no, not a John Cale cover).
Yes, I like it a lot.
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Pop Tarts Suck Toasted Review
(http://poptartssucktoasted.blogspot.com/2006/10/thursdays-still-unnamed-new-blog_19.html)
October 19th, 2006
Apparently there is a blooming music scene in North Carolina. First we were
exposed to the amazing sounds of Annuals and now I've been introduced to another
band from down there via the old myspace request. Can Joann are from the Chapel
Hill section of the state and are bringing us some terrific college radio type
music. The songs on their page are full of hooks and catchy vocals.
There are some definate influences found in their music, maybe a little bit
of Joy Division and The Smiths from the vocals, definately some Interpol in
there, and a handful of other people as well, and it's all mixed together with
the perfect amount of originality. Every song I've heard from them has stuck
with me for a number of days thanks to the sounds they are producing. "Lady
Luck" starts off with terrific guitar playing and a solid beat so that
before the vocals even kick in you are hooked and landed and listening to every
note after it.
The band are still unsigned and are playing at the Durham Music Festival this
weekend along side some big acts like Okkervil River, The Mountain Goats, and
Portastatic. Their debut (and self released) LP is available through links on
their myspace page so if you like the music pick up the whole album! They also
say a tour is in the works, so keep your fingers crossed that they'll be hitting
a town near you soon!
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Voxacious Review
(http://voxacious.wordpress.com/2006/09/26/can-joann/)
September 26th, 2006
I received an e-mail from Ryan earlier today (Ryan, who are you? Clarify boy!) and it contained some links to MP3’s. I clicked the first one and I listened. Not bad. Then I clicked the second and it was better. Then I clicked the third and I was hooked. I’ll spare you all the band names that came to mind when I was listening (slowed down Strokes, Interpolish, Arctic Banana Eaters) because I’m probably wrong. All I do is put it out there. If you like it, keep it. If you don’t, it doesn’t hurt my feelings. Like I said, I know what I like and if I like it I’ll champion it pretty damn hardcore. That’s just how I roll.
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Show Me Music Review
(http://showmemusic.wordpress.com/2006/11/09/can-joann/)
November 9th, 2006
...I am impressed. I've really been waiting for the next DIY band to come on
the scene and give me something to look forward to. Can Joann is that band.
Can Joann is from Chapel Hill / Raleigh, North Carolina (yes, North Carolina
is the new Montreal for upcoming artists). They made the scene with an EP in
2005 and have since recorded a full length entitled "Hurt People Hurt People."
They're getting a lot of press these days, so a tour can't be far away. Look
for them coming to your area soon.
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My Ex BestFriend Review
(http://mxbf.blogspot.com/2006/11/hell-yes-can-joann.html)
November 6th, 2006
Their sound is catchy and fun but I'll resist the temptation of telling you
all the other incredible bands they remind me of and simply say, down the tracks
below and then head to their websites where I know for a fact they've provided
a few others. They can stand on their own - no comparisons needed here. Make
sure you also grab Ensure En Vogue off of their main site.....it's a lovely
piece
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Perfect Porridge Review
(http://www.perfectporridge.com/2006/11/can_joann_hurt_people_hurt_peo.html)
November 16th, 2006
After releasing an E.P. in 2005, Can Joann has released a new full-length, Hurt
People Hurt People. Recorded in part at Poxworld Empire (Rosebuds, Sames, Schooner)
and the rest in a rented 19th century in Chapel Hill farm house, Hurt boasts
an extremely solid 9 tracks of rock licks in the vein of Ted Leo and The Rosebuds.
It's Mr. Bojangles meets garage pop minus the Carolinian drawl.
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The Guilfordian Reviews Hurt People Hurt People
The Guilfordian (http://www.theguilfordian.com)
Can Joann release 'Hurt People Hurt People'
By Robbie Fisher
Thank God, maybe the music world still has hope. In a few years Eminem and 50
Cent may have to step down as the kings of music. What a shame. Based in Chapel
Hill, North Carolina, Can Joann is a band consisting of four people: Ryan Benjamin,
Andrew Bernish, Cameron Kelly and Joel Peck.
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Quick Before It Melts Review
(http://www.qbim.blogspot.com)
September 27th 2006
Can Joann
Take note music promoters: I like mail. It's 2006, folks, and we don't need
a stamp to reach out and touch someone (although in some cases a phone line
is necessary). Whether it's in my inbox or the mailbox by the front door, I
love hearing new music, especially on Tuesdays. Can Joann made me happy today
with some new tracks in my inbox. They're from Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
and are releasing their debut full length, Hurt People Hurt People. They'll
be playing at the Durham Music Festival alongside The Mountain Goats, The Rosebuds,
and Portastatic, and are well worth checking out if you're in the area. Bluesy-garage
rock? Emo-pop? Who cares; I'm tired of trying to pigeon-hole all this music.
If I thought it was crap, I wouldn't post about it. I'm especially fond of [MP3]
"Lady Luck" from their Aiden Grace EP (2004).
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Ear Farm Review
(http://earfarm.blogspot.com/2006/11/can-joann.html)
November 10th, 2006
So - why Can Joann? Because you like indie-rock guitars and pop hooks.
Because they're not a band trying as hard as they can to sound like Wire or
The Smiths but are rather a band who is unafraid to sound like themselves and
you respect that. They've got a sound that could very well be compared to Nada
Surf (or something else along those lines) but what I immediately think of is...well,
North Carolina music. What Can Joann sounds like is a band who would've fit
in very well with all of those bands I used to see at The Brewery, Local 506,
and The Cat's Cradle back in the '90s. No, more accurately they sound like a
band who grew up listening to those early '90s NC bands and are simply putting
their own spin on the Chapel Hill sound.
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Obscure Sound Review
(http://obscuresound.com/?p=326)
September 27th, 2006
Can Joann’s music is just as fun as their name. The threesome have
seen their share of local indie music heroes come and go in their native Chapel
Hill, North Carolina, with such names as The Rosebuds and Ben Folds originating
from the area. They could be the next in a list of town successes, with plenty
of masterfully executed hooks led by Ryan Benjamin’s competent guitar
skills. Joel Peck’s vocals reminds me most of The Strokes’ Julian
Casablancas, with flashes of Anthony Kiedis becoming apparent in ‘Lady
Luck’. Regardless of the comparisons, Peck has a very smooth and flowing
delivery that fits their aggressive style well. Can Joann’s first full
album, Hurt People Hurt People, is available on their web site. You gotta love
the hooks.
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Yr Dirty Boots Review
(http://yrdirtyboots.blogspot.com/2006/09/today-part-two-actually-now-today.html)
September 27th, 2006
Can Joann
...I am going to strongly urge you to check this band out further...that is,
if you enjoy feeling fresh like a good sleep, waking up to the first day of
spring. yeah. take that all you pseudo-intellectual nonsensical metaphor laden
blogs*. anyway, back on to the music, more specifically, the music of can joann.
in all seriousnes though, i really like this band. and it isn't something i
can put my finger on. they seem pretty awesome, and i hope that their live show
translates well, because i would love to see them (if they would ever come to
hamilton...)
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Digital For Fish Review
(http://digitalforfish.blogspot.com/2006/11/can-joann.html)
November 10th, 2006
'Endure' reminds me a little of the sad wisdom (god I'm pretentious) of 'The
Ocean Breathes Salty' and not just because it kinda has similar background strumming,
it has that same kind of maturity about it. "Indecision's Way" is
pretty much as perfect as it get's for me
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RockitForme Review
(http://rockitforme.blogspot.com/2006/09/indecisions-way.html)
September 28th, 2006
Can Joann sent me an email just two days ago, and already they have made
it onto the "top ten" artists list at the elbo.ws blog aggregator.
They must be doing something right. Who knows, maybe they'll take the blogosphere
by storm?
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Electroniclash Music Review
(http://theboho.net/x/?p=45)
October 13th 2006
I’m posting the song Indecision’s Way from their 2006 album,
Hurt People Hurt People. That one is my favorite. It’s perdy. Pretty awesome,
actually. Kind of dancable. Also, I’m posting the song Lady Luck from
their 2004 EP, Aiden Grace. These songs actually have a classic sound, I think.
It makes me think of a bohemian club in New York. That’s a very good thing.
Sigh.
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Your Standard Life Review
(http://www.yourstandardlife.com/2006/10/can_joann.html)
October 15th 2006
Before I left for vacation, Can Joann sent me some of their tracks to
post. I have seen their name making the rounds on some of the music blogs out
there and wanted to give them a listen. I am glad i did, they have been in constant
rotation on my ipod ever since. I was singing along after only a few songs.
I hear a little Smiths and Joy Division in there with some more recent bands
like Pinback and Interpol mixed in. Give it a listen.
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The Vancouverite Best of October (2006) playlist:
(http://www.thevancouverite.com/vancouverite/the_vancouverite_playlist_11_b/)
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Idolator Post
(http://www.idolator.com/tunes/track-marks/track-marks-how-can-joann-became-this-weeks-biggest-band-in-the-world-206463.php)
October 10th, 2006
Track Marks: How Can Joann Became This Week's Biggest
Band In The World
Welcome to another edition of Track Marks, in which your Idolators perform an
autopsy on the latest whisper-down-the-lane Internet-sensation of the moment.
Today's entry:
Artist: Can Joann
Hometown: Chapel Hill, N.C.
Album: Hurt People Hurt People, available now
First online mention (according to searches on Elbo.ws and The Hype Machine):
A May 5 post on The Oak Room.
The Build-Up: Not much until last month, when Veritas Lux Mea posted three MP3s;
that day, three more sites worked up entries on the band, and the blogrolling
commenced
The Dam-Break: Today's elbo.ws Top 10 list includes three Can Joann tracks,
with "Indecision's Way" on the No. 1 spot. Considering that Sufjan
and the Hold Steady round out the top three, that's a big accomplishment, even
in our tiny, tiny music-nerd world.
Odds of Backlash: 10 to 1. Since the blogosphere is overseen by thirtysomethings
who grew up on Superchunk, anything from Chapel Hill gets a pass.
Are They Worthy? Ennnh. While we like "Sympathetic Thrill" (below),
we're not entirely sure what makes these guys stand out in a field of 3,000
other indie guitar-rock bands. What are we missing? This is charming, sure--but
is it really let's-go-apeshit charming, or are things just slow right now?
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Best Bets
The Independent Weekly (http://www.indyweek.com)
by CHRIS TOENES
Of late, the premium in rock has been on loud, raucous and
riff-driven. When that changes to good songwriting, irresistible hooks
and crisp playing, expect to see Can Joann atop the pack. Like The Rosebuds,
there is something uncommonly straightforward about this Chapel Hill
quartet, particularly in guitarist Ryan Benjamin's clean, ringing guitar tones.
The band's great with a bridge (as on their bubbly, Byrds-ish rave-up
"Sympathetic Thrill"), and there's an energy about their canny songs
that is as refreshing as the first warm, sunny days of spring. There are a lot
of
baited breaths anticipating their first studio full-length in the fall.
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Indie Mix Tapes Review
(http://indiemixtapes.blogspot.com/2006/09/can-joann.html)
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Can Joann is somewhat new and very small band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. At least that's what I was told. But specifics don't really matter when it comes to good music and I think you'll like these fellows no matter where they're from or how much they weigh.
I never know exactly how much to say about the music I like. I could sit here and draw you pretty comparisons to early Jets to Brazil or Vue but I'm afraid you really don't care that much. By the time I'm done ranting about good pop music and the doldrums of writing good music in general you would have lost interest. So have a listen to a few tracks and make the comparisons and judgements yourself because - in a nutshell - Can Joann is worth listening to.
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The Independent Weekly (http://www.indyweek.com)
8 days a week - Music Worth Leaving Home For
Combined descendents of The Kinks hip-popping
rock, Weezer white-boy moaning and Big Star's fuzzy power-pop affection,
Can Joann sticks like bubble gum and bounces like rubber soles. Writing friendly
songs about unfriendly life and its tough-luck chances, these Chapel Hill lads
probably sound like a lot of things you love and very few you probably hate.
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Oak Room Review
(http://oakroom.blogspot.com/2006/05/checking-in-with-old-friends.html)
Can Joann is a four-member rock band
based in Chapel Hill. The Independent calls them "an intriguing mix of
pop finesse
and supple indie guitar crash", and some pretty nimble bass playing, I'd
add.
Within a basically conventional indie rock framework, they do manage
to mix up their sounds a good bit, from garage rockers like "West Side"
to more
pop numbers like "Sympathetic Thrill" to the semi-funky "Cameron's
Sleeping".
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Just Pretend Review
(http://just-pretend.blogspot.com/2006/10/can-joann.html)
October 10th, 2006
Can Joann is a band that you should check out. After self-releasing an EP in
2005, they're all ready to go with a brand new album entitled Hurt People Hurt
People. They are currently working on getting a tour together, but they will
be playing in the Durham Music Festival (October 18 - 21st, www.troikamusicfestival.org)
with The Mountain Goats, Okkervil River, The Rosebuds, and Portastatic. We recommned
listening to them and if you like what you hear, then you tell us by leaving
comments or tell them at band@canjoann.com.
The song "After the Seizure's Gone" has been playing in the JP office all day. You can listen to more MP3s at their website.
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Heartache With Hard Work Review
(http://heartachewithhardwork.blogspot.com/2006/11/keep-shaking-even-after-seizures-gone.html)
November 6th, 2006
Can Joann play the kind of loose, good-feeling, hook-laden rock and roll that
everyone from the Kinks to the Strokes have used to fine effect. These guys
haven't quite produced their "Waterloo Sunset" or "You Really
Got Me" yet, but if we scale back our expectations just a little bit, there's
a whole lot to like here. Their new record Hurt People Hurt People came out
earlier this year, and is well worth a listen or three.
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The Independent Readies the Release Show for Hurt People
Hurt People
The Independent (http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A31475)
Can Joann
Kings--Two Chapel Hill bands split CD release party duties with a show in--gasp!--Raleigh.
New Jersey's indie stalwart Bar None Records re-released the underrated, self-titled
debut from Hotel Lights--the perfect rainy-day-melody quintet of ex-Ben Folds
Five drummer Darren Jesse--earlier this year. They finally celebrate with a
hometown gig. Can Joann, a Chapel Hill quartet whose Aiden Grace EP sported
some of the sharpest local hooks of 2005, finally gets around to releasing a
full-length of its own, Hurt People Hurt People. Recorded in part at Pox World
Empire and in a 19th-century farm house in Chapel Hill, Hurt People illustrates
the band's capacity to write more than V-C-V pop songs. Memorable wares for
fans of Modest Mouse and Nada Surf. Shakermarker, a simpatico hybrid of both,
opens.
--Grayson Currin
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Betta Wreckonize (http://www.bettawreckonize.com/album_reviews/late_reviews6.htm#canjoannagep)
Review Aiden Grace EP
“Lady Luck” has a New York-style garage rock coolness to it, but
also harkens
to the Clash a bit – perhaps a little like Ted Leo, but without the
dizzying falsettos."
Tim Anderl
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Kinky Origami Review
(http://kinkyorigami.com/wp/?p=214)
November 14th, 2006
With a sound that suggests their Chapel Hill origins, Can Joann should
be music to the ears of many indie-rock fans. And their grasp of pop-catchiness
(see " Lady Luck"), a superb sense of melody (see today's track),
and musical variety (see "Indecision's Way " or "Endure En Vogue")
should increase their appeal to an even larger audience.
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Punk Planet blurb on Aiden Grace EP
"EP with the driving pop feel of hook-laden indie rock"
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*And in other tongues:
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Hey You Hooray
(http://heyyouhurray.twoday.net/stories/2811484/)
October 16th, 2006
vor 3 wochen hat mir ryan benjamin seine band per mail vorgestellt. höflich,
nett und nicht aufdringlich. guter typ, der ryan. mit guten songs. es geht um
can joann, 4 mann aus chapel hill, north carolina. die machen laut elbo.ws momentan
ein wenig die runde, ryan hat wohl auch noch andere angeschrieben. fuchs. auf
meine frage, wie sie ausgerechnet auf mich und dieses tiny new german blog kommen,
meinte er: "passt doch: kleine band, kleines blog". there he got me.
witzig, welche menge an referenzen die leute erkennen. modest mouse, pavement, weezer, die strokes in slow-down, nada surf, the kinks, interpol. ein wenig recht hat jeder.
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No lastimarás
(http://jagersinc.blogspot.com/2006/10/no-lastimars.html)
October 20th, 2006
Can Joann tiene cuatro integrantes; Joel Peck (Voz) , Ryan Benjamin (guitarra), Andrew Bernish (bajo) y Michel Barba (batería). Es una banda joven de Chapel Hill, Carolina del Norte, que lleva formada apenas dos años y cuenta con un EP (Aiden Grace) y un LP (Hurt People Hurt People) lanzado en mayo de este año.
Como cualquier nueva banda, Can Joann demuestra que hoy en día se puede tener un grupo sin el apoyo de una disquera (ya hay varios ejemplos importantes), la ditribución y promoción del material de la banda es totalmente independiente y la calidad de sus presentaciones ya se está pasando de boca en boca en los alrededores de Carolina.
En ''Hurt People Hurt People'' Can Joann cuenta con buenas guitarras y buenos coros, lo suficiente como para demostrar su calidad con un estilo honesto y divertido.
Con una vida joven en el escenario, Can Joann suena muy bien y definitivamente es de las bandas con las que hay que estar atentos en un futuro.
Escúchalo si te gusta el Indie.
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Musecology Review
(http://musecology.blogspot.com/2006/10/la-ferrassie.html)
October 8th, 2006
Banda de Chapel Hill, EUA formada em 2004 (portanto nova), e que já
lançou um E.P., "Aiden Grace EP" de 2004, e um álbum,
"Hurt People Hurt People", lançado este ano; é por sua
causa a banda está despertando a atenção de muita gente.
Can Joann irá tocar no festival "Troika Music Festival" junto
com várias bandas legais como Asobi Seksu, Man Man, Mountain Goats e
Okkervil River, entre outras...