The Subjects might say on their MySpace that they’re “Like Nickelback but less ballsy,” but if their song “Winter Vacation” is any indication, they are neither as talentless, nor as ironic as that description would suggest.
“Winter Vacation” is straight-up guitar pop, with all its trappings: a jaunty base line, catchy harmonies and is that a tambourine? Yep, the track definitely benefits from a bit of kitschy ’60s flavor. When he first comes in, lead singer Dave Sheinkopf even does a dead-on Ray Davies. It lasts for about a half second, but still …
The song feels genuine, if a little cutesy, but you’ll be too busy bobbing your head to really notice. Oh, and pay no attention to the part where former teacher Sheinkopf sings, “And I don’t know/ why I always like your daughters.” Maybe he’s just channeling Sting?
Ah, whatever. The foundations of the band itself are also a touch taboo, anyway, since the membership is evenly split between instructors and their former students. It’s cool, though. After all, it is (almost) “Winter Vacation.”
Download it here.
Sorry! We were celebrating Beth’s soberversary when we should have been editing this, but better late than never. Right? — EB
