Scruffy Scottish threesome jump-starts its career with iPod commercial
Chances are, you've heard the Fratellis' biggest hit — the addictively catchy "Flathead" — and you didn't even know it. But with the appearance of the giddy punk confection in the newest iPod commercial, this Glasgow trio is getting a rousing introduction to American listeners. "I suppose it's a corporate thing," singer-songwriter-guitarist Jon Fratelli says of the band's choice to do the ad, "but if it's good enough for Dylan. . . ."
THE FORMULA (The Libertines - Self-Destruction) + iPod = The Fratellis
SOUND The Fratellis recorded their debut album, Costello Music (named after their old rehearsal space, not Elvis), in Los Angeles with Tony Hoffer (Beck, Supergrass). The record is a thirteen-song onslaught of deceptively observant lyrics, nonsensical but singalong choruses and a cheery blend of ska-ish horns, pop piano and punk guitar chords that calls to mind a more radio-friendly Libertines.
MUST-HAVE TRACK
"Chelsea Dagger"
There are more raucous choruses than lyrics in this infectious
romp.
MYTHMAKERS The Fratellis may be new to the States, but the band has already been feted in the U.K. as the latest in a long line of groups dubbed the "Next Oasis." They just won the Brit Award (the U.K.'s version of a Grammy) for British Breakthrough Act, beating out fellow nominees such as Corinne Bailey Rae, the Kooks and Lily Allen. And what about reports of vicious feuds with other It bands such as the Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand or goth punks the Horrors? "It's total bullshit," says Jon, 27, who dismisses claims that the band is as concerned with building the Fratellis' image as it is in rocking out. "Anybody that's got time to think about creating a rock myth around themselves isn't spending enough time writing and playing." ELIZABETH GOODMAN
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- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.