38. You're a Woman, I'm a Machine by Death From Above 1979

By: Anna Dobbie

				You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine by Death From Above 1979

In 2004, a Toronto two-piece shook up the music world with their primal debut album, producing unprecedented depth from minimal arrangement and defying preconceptions that bass/drum bands are gimmicky. Bassist Jesse F. Keeler's versatility more than compensates for the simple setup, jumping nimbly around the fret board from the lowest distorted rumblings to screeching licks, punctuated by vocalist Sebastien Grainger's inventive percussion.

The songs are accessible to everyone, mixing influences from metal and rock with dance-punk. Breakthrough single "Romantic Rights" is a high-hat dance floor anthem, contrasting testosterone infused riffs with monogamous lyrics of love and families, with the conscience theme running through into "Going Steady," and to a lesser extent "Pull Out" (yes, it is about ejaculation). Album highlight "Blood on our Hands" throws in some pop influences to counteract its overriding, exhilarating filthiness. Unfortunately for us, Death from Above's candle burned out long before their legend ever will.


Video: "Pull Out (Live)" by Death From Above 1979