Bears
This band makes me really happy to be from Cleveland.
Last week while visiting Music Saves I decided to check out their listening station… something I never do. The album in the first slot was a band called Bears, and I heard the first seconds of a few songs and immediately knew I needed to own this cd.
When I took it to the counter, the guy asked me if I had heard them before or whether I just bought it from the station. He told me that they were a local band and that they were playing the Beachland Tavern that following Sunday. I was really excited about the fact that they were local and I made sure I went to the show.
During the week, I must have listened to this cd about 20 times. I love it. It’s solid from beginning to end. It reminds me of the Shins, Olivia Tremor Control, and Elf Power. It’s apparent that the members of this band know and understand how to make music. The vocals are beautifully harmonized and apparently, Bears is made up of two guys, Craig Ramsey & Charlie McArthur, which impresses me even further because there are a lot of different instruments on this album. Also, I did note how incredible the recording of this cd was, and the packaging. I was really surprised to see that it was a self released album.
So, I went to the show on July 1st at the Beachland Tavern in order to make sure that they were still as good live as they are on cd (not that I would like their cd any less). The night before the show, I found out that my friend Sean plays bass in this band! Here’s to my terrible friendship skills! This was only their second live show. I wouldn’t have been able to tell you that from watching them, I only know that because I read their website. Live, Bears is made up of 6 people. Live, they are equally as amazing as they are on their recording. I also think they are probably one of the most attractive bands in Cleveland (besides Cotcb, of course). I find myself wishing that most of these songs were written about me! Oh man, I’m going to be a Bears fangirl.
Pick up this album at Music Saves, or be a non-local record store supporting dick and buy it through Insound.com. More details on Bear’s website. And… of course, Myspace.
Go see them when you can. Check out their show dates. I know they are playing at the Lime Spider in Akron and they are opening for Camera Obscura! DON’T MISS THEM!
-Denny
Posted under Hometown
This post was written by MyFriendCleveland on July 11, 2006
