Reviewed: Tall Firs

Tall Firs - Too Old to Die Young
Ecstatic Peace




We’d like to relate a story as we’re sure you have traveled in one form or another. There was a time when mp3 devices were scant, non-existent even. In place of such useful devices, there were droves of youngsters who relied on portable CD players. Many of us were forced to even use a cassette device that plugged into the portable CD player and when inserted into your car’s tape deck, played CDs from the mini-player. It could be unruly, messy, and unless you had phenomenal shocks or an above average player you could expect some skipping if the route was under any stress.

We’re not old enough to long for those days and ignore the glories of technological progress but reminiscing about long road trips has got us re-evaluating Tall Firs’ latest release. In this modern age of instant gratification and easy-to-access downloads, it’s hard to judge Too Old to Die Young with the same criteria it would have been heard with a mere 10 years ago. Anticipation is becoming obsolete. The days of inconvenience during travel (unless you fly everywhere) is slowly fading into compartmentalization. Everything is beginning to be found on devices not much larger than the standard wallet.

But there was a time when young, cheap students would pack into early 1990s cars and hit the road to escape the pressures of academia, parents, and rules. In the midst of trips you’d hit radio static and the CD stack would be close the end. That’s when you’d reach over and grab a Too Old to Die Young. It may be middle of the road, but it’s the type of album that is catchy and disposable enough to help you wind through desolate country and patchy lowlands without nodding off behind the wheel. You won’t go out of your way to recommend it to a friend but you’ll be glad to blast it in a crowded car to speed up time. It’s genuine rock music and anyone cooped up in plane, train, or automobile will attest that sincerity goes a long way to making a road trip worth it: Too Old to Die Young is worth it.

Release Date: March 18

Highlights: “Blue in the Dark”, “Hippies”

Sounds Like: Post-O’Rourke Sonic Youth, Modest Mouse