“You’re just a dumb boy in a band. I like the way you lean when you stand”
‘Dumb Boy’ is the new single from NYC singer-songwriter Annie Dressner and, from the hooky opening guitar riff, we are transported back to a world of 90s music television, vibrant colours and the angst of teenage crushes. Dressner says,
“’Dumb Boy’ is an anthem for all of those who have ever had to deal with someone who’s messed them around without any regard for their feelings. Its lyrics tell the story of the reality of the chase and pull of the potential someone shows you, only to realize that even though they were not worth your time, you still like something about them”
There is a rich vein of 90s indie and rock that still makes my ears smile; super-catchy tunes from Tom Petty, Steve Miller, or Alanis Morrissette like ‘Free Fallin’’, ‘The Joker’ or ‘You Oughta Know’. ‘Dumb Boy’ has a languid rock-vibe with chords that shift as counterpoint to a tune that slides over the arrangement. You get a cracking riff, great backing, and a chorus that’ll be stuck in your head for days. It could easily slot into the soundtrack of any 1990s teen movie from Clueless, or Pump Up The Volume, to anything directed by John Hughes. The world is full of dumb boys so thank heavens for intelligent women.
Annie Dressner: Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | TikTok
LYRICS
Late night, midnight, get lost, find me
Fast car, fast food, pit stop, smiling
Laughing, sharing, put your two cents in
Last call, leaving, then call me again
You’re just a dumb boy in a band
I like the way that you lean when you stand
And you’re just a dumb boy in a band
And I hate that you made me cry
Coffee, walking, some window shopping
Speed up, slow down, where have you been?
Need me, and leave me, you know how to treat me
Drag me back in, I’ve not had enough
You’re just a dumb boy in a band
I like the way that you lean when you stand
And you’re just a dumb boy in a band
And I hate that you made me try
Meet ups, drinking, really deep thinking
Awkward hellos and messy goodbyes
Spacing and staring and misunderstanding
Wishing that I’d not said the things I said
You’re just a dumb boy in a band
I like the way that you lean when you stand
And you’re just a dumb boy in a band
And I hate that you made me cry
You’re just a dumb boy in a band
I like the way that you lean when you stand
Yeah you’re just a dumb boy in a band
And I hate that you made me try
Yeah, I hate that I wondered why
Yeah, I hate that you made me cry
You’re just a dumb boy in a band (Oooh)
You’re just a dumb boy in a band (Oooh)
You’re just a dumb boy in a band (Oooh)
You’re just a dumb boy in a band (Oooh)
(La la la la la)
(La la la la la)
Review by Paul F Cook
Keep up to date with all new content on Joyzine via our
Facebook | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Mailing List