Memory Tapes ride a magic Bicycle /// The Burning Ear

let’s take off, no one would know that we’ve gone

Tracks by Weird Tapes and Memory Cassette have both been bouncing around my iTunes for a bit now, but neither ever grabbed me by the collar and slapped me with their sound. So then it’s no surprise that neither did the new tune by Memory Tapes (the appropriately named melding of Weird Tapes and Memory Cassette). “Bicycle” hit the blogosphere running (rolling?) about 2 months ago and and I was non-plussed. The surprise comes when after periodically returning to it for whatever reason, it began making sense. What was once a too-long mess of sounds and beats became clearly defined moments in a very textured song. The various layers separated and the song became an adventure. To truly appreciate “Bicycle I think you really need to give it your undivided attention. Put on headphones, turn it up, and let it all sink in. A lot happens in the 5 and half minutes and it’s no good if you missed it because you were reading an email or taking a piss. You will be wanting to pay special attention around 1:20 when the thing blows up big before sending you off into floaty space heaven a few seconds later. Ok, you get it. Just listen! And if you really have to do something while you listen then learn this: Dayve Hawk is a stay-at-home dad who lives in New Jersey and has been releasing various tunes under two monikers, Weird Tapes and Memory Cassette. I prefer Weird Tapes and here are my two favorites, perfect unobtrusive instrumental jams for a little aural spice around house.

♫ Weird Tapes – Home

♫ Weird Tapes – Nightstalking

Dayve recently decided to combine the two projects into Memory Tapes (see how he did that?) for a proper full length. Read more about Dayve and his analog-ocity in his enlightening interview with Pitchfork. Or just know that that the debut LP, Seek Magic, comes out in limited release next week and the full release in September. Anyway, I’m just glad I gave this song a couple more chances to grow on me because it has sloooowly turned into a real favorite. More great things in one track then are in most of the albums I trudge through these days.

Bury your face in MySpace /// We’re Tapes, Dayve’s hub/blog