Dr. Dog

If there's anything to criticize in Dr. Dog's fifth album, Fate, it may be that the band sounds too much like themselves. But isn't it mean-spirited to complain about another set of songs that sound like lost gems from the golden Boomer era of music? As on its previous record, We All Belong, there's a gorgeous mix of elements: Jimmy Page guitar, harmonies that draw on The Beatles ("From" has a moment where it could almost segue directly into "Hey Jude") and The Band, warm organ and horns, flattened drums that emphasize the kick, Scott McMicken’s tough, rocky growl.

Then there are some influences that could be either old or new, like the complicated honky-tonk rhythms of "The Old Days," which hit the offbeat solidly without pausing there for long and recall some of the Danielson Famile's work as much as old-time music, and Toby Leaman's weedy vocals, which draw strength from those of his band mates, can be seen as Daniel Johnston-esque or as influenced by the long history of bluegrass. It's easy for artists steeped in music to lose their way, to become mere imitations of those they revere, but these Philadelphians appear to have grasped the secret to humility without complete prostration before the altar of the past.

—Hillary Brown
08.07.08

Dr. Dog have been steadily refining their sound since the unexpected success of Easy Beat, and Fate continues that trend. They've still got all the right classic rock moves, clever production ideas, and the ragged-but-right vocals and bouncy bass of Toby Leaman and Scott McMicken's tough guitar and sweet vocals. It sounds much like We All Belong, but this time out there are also some really nice string and horn arrangements and a bit more utilization of studio production. But a nice studio can be a double-edged sword. The songs sound great, but at times it seems that the detail and adornment are more important than the songs (most noticeably on the opener, which is nearly swallowed by backing vocals). The sound effects that link the songs and clumsy tape edits seem a tad forced (as if to replace some of the genuine weirdness on some of Easy Beat), and some of the titles and lyrical themes seem recycled from We All Belong. That being said, Fate is still a thoroughly enjoyable album from a fine band. ~ Sean Westergaard, All Music Guide