Music
is, in many ways, something only to be experienced,
as Icecream Hands prove with "Why'd You Have To
Leave Me This Way?"; there is no way to maintain
the experience. Sure, the percussion - pounding
four-square drumming and insistent tambourine -
is compelling. There is even the intriguing irony
in the song's title, belying its joy. However, a
listener can't help but feel shortchanged; the beat
invigorates the body and the mind is lost in the
passion, but this is passing. The melodies are infectious
(the backing vocals and horns a delight), but only
for the duration of the song - an issue also shared
by their earlier singles such as "Yellow and Blue".
It would be unfair to say that the song is throwaway,
but it's not far off the mark - with a running-time
of 2:20, it's not trying to overstay its welcome.
The
b-sides show off Icecream Hands' versatility - from
pseudo-psychedelia in the crooning "Look At You
Now" to the delicate fingerpicking of "Sometimes".
Nevertheless, the a-side maketh the single and with
"Why'd You Have To Leave Me This Way?" Icecream
Hands deliver another charming pop song, revealing
a deft touch for melody. It may appear innocuous,
but The Beatles started off with this sort of thing
too.
Track Listing:
1. Why'd You Have To Leave Me This Way?
2. Look At You Now
3. Sometimes
4. My Lights Are Green
Reviewed by Michael Tran.
