Political Beats: Episode 139 - Peter Suderman / Dismemberment Plan
Release Date: September 23, 2024
Hosts: Scott Bertram and Jeff Blehar
Guest: Peter Suderman, Features Editor at Reason Magazine and author of the Substack Cocktails with Suderman
1. Introduction of the Guest (03:57 - 07:20)
In this episode of Political Beats, Scott Bertram and Jeff Blehar welcome Peter Suderman, the features editor at Reason magazine. Peter also runs a Substack newsletter titled Cocktails with Suderman, focusing on home bartending and craft cocktails. He draws an interesting parallel between cocktails and pop music, noting how both rely on foundational structures while allowing for creative variations.
Notable Quote:
“Cocktails are actually pretty similar. And so I'm very lucky to have a dedicated, delightful audience that wants to read me talking about how to put these things together...”
— Peter Suderman [03:36]
2. Introduction to Dismemberment Plan (07:20 - 09:08)
Jeff Blehar humorously introduces the featured band, Dismemberment Plan, drawing attention to their unique place in the Washington D.C. music scene. The band’s name sparks curiosity, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of their musical journey.
3. Why Peter Loves Dismemberment Plan (09:08 - 13:10)
Peter expresses his deep admiration for Dismemberment Plan, ranking them alongside Nine Inch Nails as his favorite bands. He appreciates their ability to blend punk rock energy with danceable rhythms, making their music both intellectually and physically engaging. Peter highlights their cleverness, literary lyrics, and unique sense of humor that distinguishes them from other bands.
Notable Quote:
“They are really clever. Story of all of our lives, right? So many of us in this particular age group...”
— Peter Suderman [11:10]
4. Discussing the First Album: Exclamation Point (Chick) (09:08 - 50:03)
The conversation delves into Dismemberment Plan’s debut album, Exclamation Point (referred to as Chick for simplicity). Both hosts acknowledge its rough production quality, typical of indie bands recording on a tight budget in basements. Despite its imperfections, Peter views the album as the groundwork for the band’s future evolution, recognizing the seeds of their distinctive sound.
Notable Quotes:
“This album is incredibly ambitious and it looks better in retrospect, after you've heard what it leads to...”
— Peter Suderman [38:57]
“On the one hand, it is very clearly a recording by folks who didn’t have a big recording budget... on the other hand, this album is incredibly ambitious...”
— Peter Suderman [37:30]
5. Evolution Through Subsequent Albums: Emergency and I & Terrified (50:03 - 86:31)
Emergency and I (50:03 - 85:59):
Peter and Jeff discuss Emergency and I, lauding it as a pivotal album that solidified Dismemberment Plan’s reputation. The album merges post-punk intensity with pop sensibilities, creating an emotionally resonant work that garnered significant acclaim, particularly from Pitchfork.
Terrified (85:59 - 125:06):
Terrified is examined as an evolution from their earlier work, showcasing greater musical maturity and lyrical depth. Jeff argues that Terrified could be considered the band's peak, citing its cohesive structure and emotionally charged tracks like "Time Bomb." Peter, however, contends that while Terrified is more polished, Emergency and I remains the band's most energizing and original work.
Notable Quotes:
“This album is a big turning point in indie rock and also in online music criticism...”
— Peter Suderman [86:31]
“This record is somewhat a step down, but it’s still a fantastic album.”
— Jeff Blair [59:38]
“These songs are so clever and funny while also kind of rocking.”
— Peter Suderman [64:54]
6. The Role of Pitchfork in Their Career (125:06 - 163:05)
The hosts explore how Pitchfork magazine played a dual role in both elevating and inadvertently damaging Dismemberment Plan’s career. Initially, Pitchfork’s praise helped catapult the band into indie stardom. However, a later scathing 0.0 review of Peter’s solo album, Travistan, created significant setbacks, leading to diminished opportunities for further growth.
Notable Quotes:
“Pitchfork was really the vector by which people heard about the Dismemberment Plan...”
— Peter Suderman [127:55]
“They have this poor review that just crushed him and I think that had a lasting impact..."
— Jeff Blair [159:38]
“Pitchfork and Dismemberment Plan in their peak eras, I think are products of each other.”
— Peter Suderman [127:50]
7. Breakup and Solo Careers (163:05 - 180:37)
Dismemberment Plan disbands in 2002 despite having a prolific and well-received discography. The exhaustion from constant touring and limited financial gain contribute to their decision to pursue separate lives. Peter highlights that none of the band members left their day jobs, emphasizing their practical approach to sustaining their careers outside of music.
Notable Quotes:
“If you were a band that did not expect to get played on the radio or MTV... you were building that...”
— Jeff Blair [158:29]
“They never quit their day jobs. This isn’t a rock group... these are guys who work, you know, side gigs.”
— Peter Suderman [141:53]
8. Reunion and Final Album: Uncanny Valley (180:37 - 192:35)
Years later, Dismemberment Plan reunites and releases Uncanny Valley. While the album showcases the band’s enduring camaraderie and ability to deliver solid tracks, it is viewed as a footnote compared to their earlier, groundbreaking work. Peter notes that Uncanny Valley lacks the raw energy and emotional depth that made their first four albums so impactful.
Notable Quotes:
“It's an album that came out and it was by, you know, my favorite band... it just doesn’t have that edge.”
— Peter Suderman [185:47]
“This is like, I was just like, you didn't have anything left, you know...”
— Peter Suderman [189:21]
9. Recommendations: Two Albums and Five Songs (192:35 - End)
Recommended Albums:
- Emergency and I – Celebrated as a pivotal work in indie rock, blending post-punk intensity with melodic pop.
- Terrified – Praised for its musical maturity and cohesive emotional narrative.
Recommended Songs:
-
Ice of Boston (Emergency and I)
“Sometimes I stand on the roof at night...”
— Peter Suderman [27:58] -
Time Bomb (Terrified)
“I am a time bomb and I only live in that one moment in which you die...”
— Jeff Blair [146:53] -
Following Through (Terrified)
“I can do it with anyone, anywhere at any time...”
— Jeff Blair [65:58] -
You Are Invited (Emergency and I)
“You are invited by anyone to do anything...”
— Peter Suderman [96:39] -
Invisible (Uncanny Valley)
“If you look then you'll see right through me...”
— Scott Bertram [182:14]
Notable Quote from Recommendations:
“Ice of Boston is the first song that I felt I really connected with.”
— Jeff Blair [27:58]
Conclusion
In this episode, Scott Bertram and Jeff Blehar, alongside Peter Suderman, offer a comprehensive exploration of Dismemberment Plan’s musical legacy. From their raw beginnings to their polished maturity, the band’s journey encapsulates the highs and lows of indie rock fame, influenced heavily by the critical landscape shaped by outlets like Pitchfork. Despite their breakup and the challenges faced during solo ventures, Dismemberment Plan remains a cherished cult favorite, celebrated for their innovative fusion of punk energy and danceable rhythms.
Final Notable Quote:
“They could sell at the Black Cat, at the Drop of a hat, 9:30 club. It wouldn't take five seconds. People would show up and queue around the corner.”
— Peter Suderman [191:46]
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