Search - Mary's Danish :: American Standard

Has It Really Been 13 Years???

Rob K | Encinitas, CA, USA | 02/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I did a double take when I saw that release date, wow, no wonder I miss Mary's Danish so much. I have all three of their releases on cassette, and who listens to cassettes anymore? I've tried to find their music on the internet to no avail, and may have to consider purchasing the CDs here on Amazon. They're such a superb band (were, anyway) that it would be worth it for sure.



If I weren't a surfer I probably never would have heard of Mary's Danish. A surf filmmaker named Jack McCoy put a couple of their songs - off their debut 'There Goes the Wonderstruck - in a video he put out 15 years ago or so. The music just jumped out of the film, as original as it was catchy and addictive. After buying and loving that album I got Circa, their second release, which I think is a brilliant album. It has the feel of a concept album, large in scope, but it's just a great listen all around with many great tracks. And finally, there came what would prove to be their final release, American Standard.



With American Standard, Mary's Danish got seemingly more serious about their music. The album has a stronger, more intense feel than the previous two. Songs like Underwater - an adrenaline pumping song if there ever was one - are perfect examples. Right from the opening track, Killjoy, you get a sense of Mary's Danish's style of songcraft. Edgy, hooky, powerful, and raw. One of the most unique facets of the band is its pair of female lead singers, and what singers they are. Two beautiful screeching (roaring, perhaps) women fronted this band very handily for the years that they were around. How many bands can boast that?



I remember back when this album came out they actually got a shot on Letterman, who was then on NBC, and funny. If memory serves me they played Killjoy, and rocked it. In retrospect I suppose it looked like Mary's Danish were about to take off, to have some financial success approaching the creative success they had achieved in the studio for years. But alas, it was not to be. The reasons why are a mystery to me, I'm not one to keep up with the gossipy details about why bands split up or get back together or do whatever they do. I only know that Mary's Danish is gone, and they've been gone for a very long time. Shame..."

Infectous

Rob K | 11/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album covers a wide variety of feelings and emotions. Gretchen and Julie's voice harmonize together beautifully,this album will definately leave you wanting more."