The Sterns “This Will Only Hurt For A Minute”
Thursday, September 8, 2005
Boston’s latest power-pop export (following such luminaries as The Cars, The Real Kids, The Del Fuegos and The Nervous Eaters) The Sterns claim Johnny Marr as a primary influence, which is kind of like saying one’s favorite car is “engine.” Sure, the guitar sound is there, but it’s almost required to be. Personally, I hear a lot of the dB’s and a dash of Aztec Camera, and cherubic lead singer Chris Stern’s voice contains elements of Dan Bejar and, indeed, Morrisey.
Their first album, complete with Belle and Sebastian-esque cover art, is full of delicate melodies and chiming guitars that have kept my foot tapping since coming across my desk a week ago. Lead single “This Will Only Hurt For A Minute” (mp3) chugs along with insistent drums and perfectly placed organ highlights. Check out the video here, after you update your RealPlayer.
Check out the Sterns’ MySpace site.
Buy Say Goodbye to the Camera here.