Dollhouse Yellow
March 17, 2024
Did we recently release an album? Yes, but that was weeks ago, man. What have we done lately? And by we, I mean Kelly. She wrote an article, that's what! Read all about what goes on in the tortured mind of a cinematic runner here.
Did we recently release an album? Yes, but that was weeks ago, man. What have we done lately? And by we, I mean Kelly. She wrote an article, that's what! Read all about what goes on in the tortured mind of a cinematic runner here.
March 3, 2024
...and just like that, our new album titled "Second Hand Low" has been released. Some astute listeners may have already been listening to it, as some sites had it posted as early as two days ago. Other loyal readers, such as yourself, may be just getting this news now. Do not think you are forgotten, readers! As is tradition, we have recruited our reviewing whiz and sometimes friend, Tom, to review the new album. Here's what he had to say:
"Every time you put out an album, you ask me to review it. Then, no matter what I say, you twist my words around until they don't resemble anything like I intended, and it ends up being just effusive praise. I may need to reevaluate our friendship."
Wow, Tom. Just wow. You never cease to flatter us with your praise. When we made this album, we did not know it would be so good that it would be able to seemingly focus your otherwise jumbled thoughts into a focused, intelligible stream of all that is right with the world. We understand how such a wonderous collection of music might cause you to reevaluate your entire life. Thanks, Tom, and enjoy your newfound clarity!
...and just like that, our new album titled "Second Hand Low" has been released. Some astute listeners may have already been listening to it, as some sites had it posted as early as two days ago. Other loyal readers, such as yourself, may be just getting this news now. Do not think you are forgotten, readers! As is tradition, we have recruited our reviewing whiz and sometimes friend, Tom, to review the new album. Here's what he had to say:
"Every time you put out an album, you ask me to review it. Then, no matter what I say, you twist my words around until they don't resemble anything like I intended, and it ends up being just effusive praise. I may need to reevaluate our friendship."
Wow, Tom. Just wow. You never cease to flatter us with your praise. When we made this album, we did not know it would be so good that it would be able to seemingly focus your otherwise jumbled thoughts into a focused, intelligible stream of all that is right with the world. We understand how such a wonderous collection of music might cause you to reevaluate your entire life. Thanks, Tom, and enjoy your newfound clarity!
For those that do not want to take Tom's word for it, please have a listen for yourself. The picture above is what the cover looks like. It should be available for purchase and/or streaming at most online purveyors of auditory odds and ends. The cool kids still won't tell us where they consume music these days, so we just have to guess. Enjoy!
February 25, 2024
Wow. We only updated this site twice last year? That is shockingly low. I bet you hope we were too busy working on new music to do the little things, like pour our heart and soul into semi-monthly website updates. Rejoice! That is exactly what we were doing. Also, some other stuff, but a non-negligible percentage of our free time was spent recording new music. We'll put it out in the next couple of days after we cross all of our ts and dot our lower case js.
Wow. We only updated this site twice last year? That is shockingly low. I bet you hope we were too busy working on new music to do the little things, like pour our heart and soul into semi-monthly website updates. Rejoice! That is exactly what we were doing. Also, some other stuff, but a non-negligible percentage of our free time was spent recording new music. We'll put it out in the next couple of days after we cross all of our ts and dot our lower case js.
August 27, 2023
What are we even doing with our life? One minute, we're recording our sixth album, writing songs for future albums, living like rockstars. Then the next minute we are playing in our second community band, unironically wearing khakis and polo shirts, baking blueberry streusel pies for fundraisers. I thought we were in a real band? The best obscure indie/folk/rock/subtle-hints-of-marching-band band in the world! Or at least the best on the cul de sac. Well, the south end of the cul de sac. At least! Shouldn't we have a pie guy to make pies for us?
We're making a change. Mostly because the community band season is over. But also because we are in the best obscure indie/folk/rock/subtle-hints-of-marching-band band on the south end of the cul de sac! We're pumped. If you read most of this paragraph as an inspirational speech internal monologue, you're probably pumped up too. So together we say, "Ya! Let's get a pie guy!"
What are we even doing with our life? One minute, we're recording our sixth album, writing songs for future albums, living like rockstars. Then the next minute we are playing in our second community band, unironically wearing khakis and polo shirts, baking blueberry streusel pies for fundraisers. I thought we were in a real band? The best obscure indie/folk/rock/subtle-hints-of-marching-band band in the world! Or at least the best on the cul de sac. Well, the south end of the cul de sac. At least! Shouldn't we have a pie guy to make pies for us?
We're making a change. Mostly because the community band season is over. But also because we are in the best obscure indie/folk/rock/subtle-hints-of-marching-band band on the south end of the cul de sac! We're pumped. If you read most of this paragraph as an inspirational speech internal monologue, you're probably pumped up too. So together we say, "Ya! Let's get a pie guy!"
March 14, 2023
The weather is slowly warming. Birds are chirping in the trees. Majestic geese formations fly northward across the blue sky. Even the music seems to sound better. That it no coincidence! Or, I guess it is a coincidence because it has nothing to do with Spring, and everything to do with that Adonis of a tenor saxophone player.
The weather is slowly warming. Birds are chirping in the trees. Majestic geese formations fly northward across the blue sky. Even the music seems to sound better. That it no coincidence! Or, I guess it is a coincidence because it has nothing to do with Spring, and everything to do with that Adonis of a tenor saxophone player.
Yes, instead of focusing heartily on the new album, Adam has joined the local community band. You probably already noticed the uptick in local music quality. It is spreading from the saxophone section here to the community band down the street, to the community bands around the world, straight to your unerring ears.
Also, we're still working on the new album. Heartily!
Also, we're still working on the new album. Heartily!
December 12, 2022
Where does the time go? It's already December? We have been diligently (clearly, that's a relative term) writing our next album. We were hoping to be done with that by the end of the year so we could start recording. There is a chance that will still happen. We are really just finalizing details on how to play everything in a band with just two people.
However, like most of the world, we have been rapt by the new George Jones and Tammy Wynette series, George and Tammy. Granted we only watched the first episode. And we probably won't subscribe to any service to watch the rest of it, but we will be waiting until the local library gets a copy of it in a couple of years, and then finish watching. Maybe while we wait, we can work on the album some more. Or maybe we'll just sit around singing our best George Jones impressions and falling ever so short. That's pretty much how we were already spending our days, anyway.
Where does the time go? It's already December? We have been diligently (clearly, that's a relative term) writing our next album. We were hoping to be done with that by the end of the year so we could start recording. There is a chance that will still happen. We are really just finalizing details on how to play everything in a band with just two people.
However, like most of the world, we have been rapt by the new George Jones and Tammy Wynette series, George and Tammy. Granted we only watched the first episode. And we probably won't subscribe to any service to watch the rest of it, but we will be waiting until the local library gets a copy of it in a couple of years, and then finish watching. Maybe while we wait, we can work on the album some more. Or maybe we'll just sit around singing our best George Jones impressions and falling ever so short. That's pretty much how we were already spending our days, anyway.
August 4, 2022
We here at Dollhouse Yellow are a somewhat versatile crew. Besides writing the best songs that no one has ever heard, on any given day you may find us repairing obscurely pitched saxophones from the 1920s, writing artist statements for portrait exhibitions at the local library, or waxing philosophic on the benefits of prescription sunglasses. Most of these go without notice. However, we occasionally do something so great that it transcends our own consciousness and finds its way to a post on this very website.
Something so great has indeed happened. Kelly has published a novel. Yes! A page-turning, can't-put-it-downing, rip-your-emotions-to-shreds-but-in-a-good-waying novel. I think I speak for everyone when I say, "Kelly, you are vastly superior to everyone else on the planet (and probably everyone else on at least one other planet as well), and you now have a book to prove it."
We here at Dollhouse Yellow are a somewhat versatile crew. Besides writing the best songs that no one has ever heard, on any given day you may find us repairing obscurely pitched saxophones from the 1920s, writing artist statements for portrait exhibitions at the local library, or waxing philosophic on the benefits of prescription sunglasses. Most of these go without notice. However, we occasionally do something so great that it transcends our own consciousness and finds its way to a post on this very website.
Something so great has indeed happened. Kelly has published a novel. Yes! A page-turning, can't-put-it-downing, rip-your-emotions-to-shreds-but-in-a-good-waying novel. I think I speak for everyone when I say, "Kelly, you are vastly superior to everyone else on the planet (and probably everyone else on at least one other planet as well), and you now have a book to prove it."
Where can you find more information about this literary masterpiece? Where can you find a copy of this literary masterpiece? These are great questions about this literary masterpiece. The buttons below should direct your curiosity to the mind-expanding world of Dollhouse Yellow's resident novelist and all-around superior being, Kelly. Read on, you beautiful people. Read on.
July 4, 2022
The year is already half over. I guess we should post something now that everyone has had time to recuperate from having their auditory senses blown away by our latest album. What have we been up to? Mostly buying non-functioning saxophones from 1924 that are pitched in strange keys. Not really saxophones. Saxophone. We bought one. One saxophone.
The year is already half over. I guess we should post something now that everyone has had time to recuperate from having their auditory senses blown away by our latest album. What have we been up to? Mostly buying non-functioning saxophones from 1924 that are pitched in strange keys. Not really saxophones. Saxophone. We bought one. One saxophone.
Someday, maybe our new saxophone (left) will function and you will no longer have to choose between listening to your Frankie Trumbauer (right) records and those of your favorite post 1930's band, Dollhouse Yellow. I am of course implying that we will work up our amazing saxophone chops to be indistinguishable from those of Frankie Trumbauer, and then record songs that feature said saxophone chops, which would be of a similar sound quality to those released by the aforementioned Mr. Trumbauer.
November 30, 2021
Brace yourself. Maybe sit down. That’s a thing people do before big news, isn’t it? Truthfully, we’ve never experienced a scenario where seated news reception was especially crucial. However, based on extensive studies of television sitcom behavior, we suspect we are in the minority on that.
What were we just talking about? Oh, yes! The new album is ready! Here is the cover. It looks pretty sharp and has our band name in stylishly legible font. The name of the album, as you can see there in the picture, is Smile and Initiate.
Brace yourself. Maybe sit down. That’s a thing people do before big news, isn’t it? Truthfully, we’ve never experienced a scenario where seated news reception was especially crucial. However, based on extensive studies of television sitcom behavior, we suspect we are in the minority on that.
What were we just talking about? Oh, yes! The new album is ready! Here is the cover. It looks pretty sharp and has our band name in stylishly legible font. The name of the album, as you can see there in the picture, is Smile and Initiate.
For a review, we returned to our old friend Tom, who our loyal fans might remember for his glowing review of our last album. This is what Tom had to say about our latest masterpiece:
“You know what, I was about to agree to this review, but then I remember how you twisted my words from last time around to make it sound like I compared you to the Beatles. So this time, I will not be saying anything.”
Again, Tom, we are floored by your enthusiastic praise! We are so familiar with our own music, that sometimes we lose track of what it might sound like to someone else. Our music reminding you of the Beatles is obviously a great compliment, and we understand how such a comparison in your mind would leave you speechless.
Imagine if we had gotten that bongo track to sound right! Something to look forward to on the next album, we suppose. After all, it’s not as though we would get rid of them. They’re such a crucial element of who we are as a band. Or at least they will be if we ever play them on an album. Plus, we’ve had them ever since we bought them for that high school English presentation, as one does, and we have grown moderately fond of them. Maybe that’s an overstatement. What’s one step down from moderately fond? Unflummoxed by their presence on the shelf? Yes, that’s how we feel about them. And maybe, just maybe, how you might feel about this new album!
Here are a few songs from the album to listen to until you can load it up in your preferred listening platform:
“You know what, I was about to agree to this review, but then I remember how you twisted my words from last time around to make it sound like I compared you to the Beatles. So this time, I will not be saying anything.”
Again, Tom, we are floored by your enthusiastic praise! We are so familiar with our own music, that sometimes we lose track of what it might sound like to someone else. Our music reminding you of the Beatles is obviously a great compliment, and we understand how such a comparison in your mind would leave you speechless.
Imagine if we had gotten that bongo track to sound right! Something to look forward to on the next album, we suppose. After all, it’s not as though we would get rid of them. They’re such a crucial element of who we are as a band. Or at least they will be if we ever play them on an album. Plus, we’ve had them ever since we bought them for that high school English presentation, as one does, and we have grown moderately fond of them. Maybe that’s an overstatement. What’s one step down from moderately fond? Unflummoxed by their presence on the shelf? Yes, that’s how we feel about them. And maybe, just maybe, how you might feel about this new album!
Here are a few songs from the album to listen to until you can load it up in your preferred listening platform:
September 21, 2021
There is a feeling that is sometimes discussed; a wish to have never heard a song, only to be able to hear it again for the first time. We are perhaps the most fortunate band in the world, as the majority of our fans have moved beyond this simple wish and are living that dream. They are not listening to us to begin with, just so that they can truly experience the joy of hearing us for the first time. So, to those loyal fans who appreciate us so much that they cannot even bring themselves to listen to us, we applaud you. We just wish we could un-applaud our applause so that we could applaud you again for the first time.
Anyway, we've got four songs left to finish on the next album. It should be a great album and have at least four songs on it. Get ready to hear it for the first time sometime later this year. Or next year. Or whenever we release it. And whenever you find that your ears can stay away from us no longer.
There is a feeling that is sometimes discussed; a wish to have never heard a song, only to be able to hear it again for the first time. We are perhaps the most fortunate band in the world, as the majority of our fans have moved beyond this simple wish and are living that dream. They are not listening to us to begin with, just so that they can truly experience the joy of hearing us for the first time. So, to those loyal fans who appreciate us so much that they cannot even bring themselves to listen to us, we applaud you. We just wish we could un-applaud our applause so that we could applaud you again for the first time.
Anyway, we've got four songs left to finish on the next album. It should be a great album and have at least four songs on it. Get ready to hear it for the first time sometime later this year. Or next year. Or whenever we release it. And whenever you find that your ears can stay away from us no longer.
July 13, 2021
Greetings, Dollhousians! Or is it the Yellow Fellows? We are not sure what our legions of fans prefer to call themselves. In fact, it has come to our attention that the overwhelming majority of our fans don't yet know that they are fans! We know! Ludicrous! We have determined through internal investigation, and mostly baseless speculation, that the feeling people get when they walk into a room and forgot why they entered in the first place has nothing to do with their memory at all. It is actually their body reacting to the absence of Dollhouse Yellow in their lives. They know something is amiss, but they just can't place it. It being us. Dollhouse Yellow. So soldier on, you as of yet unknowing fans.
And when you do know, perhaps you will be interested in hearing that we have finished 4 new songs, and most of a fifth. We have started all of the songs on the new album, and it is coming along nicely, as evidenced by the 4.5 completed songs that we just mentioned. Also, we got a sweet new saxophone at some point since the last post, so that's probably why there are not more completed songs. But, our one-man saxophone quartet version of Polly Wolly Doodle is coming along quite swimmingly, so there's that.
Greetings, Dollhousians! Or is it the Yellow Fellows? We are not sure what our legions of fans prefer to call themselves. In fact, it has come to our attention that the overwhelming majority of our fans don't yet know that they are fans! We know! Ludicrous! We have determined through internal investigation, and mostly baseless speculation, that the feeling people get when they walk into a room and forgot why they entered in the first place has nothing to do with their memory at all. It is actually their body reacting to the absence of Dollhouse Yellow in their lives. They know something is amiss, but they just can't place it. It being us. Dollhouse Yellow. So soldier on, you as of yet unknowing fans.
And when you do know, perhaps you will be interested in hearing that we have finished 4 new songs, and most of a fifth. We have started all of the songs on the new album, and it is coming along nicely, as evidenced by the 4.5 completed songs that we just mentioned. Also, we got a sweet new saxophone at some point since the last post, so that's probably why there are not more completed songs. But, our one-man saxophone quartet version of Polly Wolly Doodle is coming along quite swimmingly, so there's that.
January 28, 2021
We want you to think back to over a month ago. The winter chill was setting in (for those of us that don't live our lives upside down in the southern hemisphere - hang on tight to your backwards flushing toilets, you lovely people!). Families gathered to politely wave to each other from six feet apart. And maybe, just maybe, the world smiled upon you and you received that most wondrous gift of the season: socks. If so, we suggest that you start putting them on, so we can knock them right off. We have finished arranging all the songs for the next album and will start recording imminently. We don't know when we will be done, obvi, so maybe try not to get those socks too dirty while you wear them day after day, waiting for us to, you know, knock them off.
We want you to think back to over a month ago. The winter chill was setting in (for those of us that don't live our lives upside down in the southern hemisphere - hang on tight to your backwards flushing toilets, you lovely people!). Families gathered to politely wave to each other from six feet apart. And maybe, just maybe, the world smiled upon you and you received that most wondrous gift of the season: socks. If so, we suggest that you start putting them on, so we can knock them right off. We have finished arranging all the songs for the next album and will start recording imminently. We don't know when we will be done, obvi, so maybe try not to get those socks too dirty while you wear them day after day, waiting for us to, you know, knock them off.
October 16, 2020
We started arranging some songs for the next album. We have a lot written of them, so we picked out one for each fan of the band, then added about a dozen songs to fill out the album and will start recording soon. When it is done, we should have about a dozen of the best songs on one of the best albums by one of the best bands this side of that little creek across the street from our house.
We started arranging some songs for the next album. We have a lot written of them, so we picked out one for each fan of the band, then added about a dozen songs to fill out the album and will start recording soon. When it is done, we should have about a dozen of the best songs on one of the best albums by one of the best bands this side of that little creek across the street from our house.
June 30, 2020
Who needs updates on trivial moments in the life of our favorite band (and maybe yours too if we play our cards right)? Instead, you can immerse yourself in a detailed essay on our music using nebulous metrics we found generated online! Most of you are probably worried about this, wondering if it will interfere with and/or delay our next installment in our extensive essay series focusing on why Degrassi Junior High is better than Degrassi: the Next Generation. No, it will not!
Who needs updates on trivial moments in the life of our favorite band (and maybe yours too if we play our cards right)? Instead, you can immerse yourself in a detailed essay on our music using nebulous metrics we found generated online! Most of you are probably worried about this, wondering if it will interfere with and/or delay our next installment in our extensive essay series focusing on why Degrassi Junior High is better than Degrassi: the Next Generation. No, it will not!
We got all of the numerical data from tunebat.com, which throws all of the songs it can find into a black box and spits out numbers to describe them. We don’t know the algorithms that they use, and the descriptions of some of their metrics are pretty non-descript, so naturally we took great pains in analyzing all of these insignificant numbers and adjusting the future course of the band entirely upon them. The numbers in parenthesis (and we do love a good parenthetical) following the song titles are the numbers (on a scale of 0-100) obtained from tunebat. Analysis is sorted by the underlined topics below. Let's begin!
Energy - Defined by tunebat as how intense and active the track is, based on general entropy, onset rate, timbre, perceived loudness, and dynamic range.
Top 5 Energy songs:
1. Inverness (53)
2. What Is All of This I See? (47)
3. Walk Across (44)
4. Broken Teacups (41)
5(T). The Things You Do (39)
5(T). (Theme From) Kelly, Kelly, and the Kellys (39)
Lowest Energy:
Falling in Love is Like Floating in Rivers (13)
Average: 31.8
Apparently, we are a low energy band. I mean, in way, we’ve always known that. Even in writing this short description, we took a break for a snack, a nap, and three days of just sitting around before finishing this one sentence. Typing is exhausting. We like to think that we really capture that energy in our music, and the numbers seem to support that.
Energy - Defined by tunebat as how intense and active the track is, based on general entropy, onset rate, timbre, perceived loudness, and dynamic range.
Top 5 Energy songs:
1. Inverness (53)
2. What Is All of This I See? (47)
3. Walk Across (44)
4. Broken Teacups (41)
5(T). The Things You Do (39)
5(T). (Theme From) Kelly, Kelly, and the Kellys (39)
Lowest Energy:
Falling in Love is Like Floating in Rivers (13)
Average: 31.8
Apparently, we are a low energy band. I mean, in way, we’ve always known that. Even in writing this short description, we took a break for a snack, a nap, and three days of just sitting around before finishing this one sentence. Typing is exhausting. We like to think that we really capture that energy in our music, and the numbers seem to support that.
Danceability - How appropriate the track is for dancing based on overall regularity, beat strength, rhythm stability, and tempo
Top 5 Danceable Songs:
1. Old Familiar Way (83)
2. We Arrive at Doors Open (80)
3. What Have We Done (76)
4. Antarctica (73)
5(T). Inverness (72)
5(T). Falling In Love is Like Floating in Rivers(72)
Lowest Danceability:
Did You Think That I Could Be Left Behind? (19)
Average: 57.7
Despite being so low energy, we seemingly have almost average danceability. This should come as no surprise. We didn’t actually graduate from the Elaine Benes school of dance, but we came as close as anyone has ever come. What George Costanza lovingly refers to as a "full body dry heave set to music," we simply call Dollhouse Yellow. What we find interesting is that our lowest energy song, Falling in Love is Like Floating in Rivers, is also one of our top 5 most danceable. We suspect the dance-determined computers are suckers for a good waltz. So, if you can’t hold back your inner dancer, but also want the freedom to keep your hands in your pockets, keep your head down, and keep yourself confined to 3 square feet of floor space, we have the perfect song for you.
Top 5 Danceable Songs:
1. Old Familiar Way (83)
2. We Arrive at Doors Open (80)
3. What Have We Done (76)
4. Antarctica (73)
5(T). Inverness (72)
5(T). Falling In Love is Like Floating in Rivers(72)
Lowest Danceability:
Did You Think That I Could Be Left Behind? (19)
Average: 57.7
Despite being so low energy, we seemingly have almost average danceability. This should come as no surprise. We didn’t actually graduate from the Elaine Benes school of dance, but we came as close as anyone has ever come. What George Costanza lovingly refers to as a "full body dry heave set to music," we simply call Dollhouse Yellow. What we find interesting is that our lowest energy song, Falling in Love is Like Floating in Rivers, is also one of our top 5 most danceable. We suspect the dance-determined computers are suckers for a good waltz. So, if you can’t hold back your inner dancer, but also want the freedom to keep your hands in your pockets, keep your head down, and keep yourself confined to 3 square feet of floor space, we have the perfect song for you.
Happiness - How cheerful and positive the track is
Top 5 Happiness:
1. We Arrive at Doors Open (84)
2. Old Familiar Way (69)
3. The Buildings Downtown Light Up in the Sun (69)
4. It Doesn’t Matter (67)
5. The Covers That You Take (65)
Low:
Take It (11)
Average: 37.9
What we lack in energy, we make up for in lack of happiness. We have no idea how to interpret these numbers. We are too busy sulking. And maybe taking another nap.
Top 5 Happiness:
1. We Arrive at Doors Open (84)
2. Old Familiar Way (69)
3. The Buildings Downtown Light Up in the Sun (69)
4. It Doesn’t Matter (67)
5. The Covers That You Take (65)
Low:
Take It (11)
Average: 37.9
What we lack in energy, we make up for in lack of happiness. We have no idea how to interpret these numbers. We are too busy sulking. And maybe taking another nap.
Acousticness - How likely the track is acoustic
Top 5 Acousticness:
1. The Train Rolls In (92)
2. (Theme From) Kelly, Kelly, and the Kellys (91)
3. Here Is Your Song (91)
4. So Lovely (91)
5. The Covers That You Take (91)
Low:
All That Can Occur (48)
Average: 81.8
Now we are just confused. Our musical, Under the Sycamores, was written for a condensed orchestra of five members, one of which is an acoustic guitar. So, it is no surprise that The Train Rolls In (from the aforementioned musical) might be on the list. By that same logic, we are flabbergasted, nay, gobsmacked, that our least acoustic track would be All That Can Occur, also from Under the Sycamores. Also of note is the Top 5’s lack of any of our tracks that contain instrumentation of only an acoustic guitar. And the number 2 top acoustic track does not have any acoustic instruments on it. We are starting to lose faith is these numbers. Or maybe just lose faith in ourselves?
Top 5 Acousticness:
1. The Train Rolls In (92)
2. (Theme From) Kelly, Kelly, and the Kellys (91)
3. Here Is Your Song (91)
4. So Lovely (91)
5. The Covers That You Take (91)
Low:
All That Can Occur (48)
Average: 81.8
Now we are just confused. Our musical, Under the Sycamores, was written for a condensed orchestra of five members, one of which is an acoustic guitar. So, it is no surprise that The Train Rolls In (from the aforementioned musical) might be on the list. By that same logic, we are flabbergasted, nay, gobsmacked, that our least acoustic track would be All That Can Occur, also from Under the Sycamores. Also of note is the Top 5’s lack of any of our tracks that contain instrumentation of only an acoustic guitar. And the number 2 top acoustic track does not have any acoustic instruments on it. We are starting to lose faith is these numbers. Or maybe just lose faith in ourselves?
Instrumentalist - how likely the track contains no spoken word vocals
Top 5 Instrumentalist:
1. Overture (96)
2. Falling In Love is Like Floating in Rivers (93)
3. There Goes My Heart Again (89)
4. Everything That Moves (89)
5. At the End of Another Summer Evening (84)
Low:
19-way tie (0)
Average: 21.7
Our faith in ourselves is restored! The only two tracks we have with no vocals are ranked number 1 and 2 for instrumentalnessitudeity. There is not a huge numerical drop-off for number 3, which we definitely sang on. Maybe we should take this as a compliment. We sing like two crooning oboes playing perfect minor second harmonies, and that has finally been acknowledged.
Top 5 Instrumentalist:
1. Overture (96)
2. Falling In Love is Like Floating in Rivers (93)
3. There Goes My Heart Again (89)
4. Everything That Moves (89)
5. At the End of Another Summer Evening (84)
Low:
19-way tie (0)
Average: 21.7
Our faith in ourselves is restored! The only two tracks we have with no vocals are ranked number 1 and 2 for instrumentalnessitudeity. There is not a huge numerical drop-off for number 3, which we definitely sang on. Maybe we should take this as a compliment. We sing like two crooning oboes playing perfect minor second harmonies, and that has finally been acknowledged.
Liveness - how likely the track was recorded with a live audience
Top Liveness:
Walk Across (21)
Low:
I’m the One You Worry About (7)
Average: 12
Overall, our tracks were not determined to be recorded with a live audience (so overwhelmingly that we didn’t even bother listing the top 5). But, the joke’s on you, tunebat. If we recorded live with all of our fans in attendance, there would also be no audience, and they would sound identical.
Top Liveness:
Walk Across (21)
Low:
I’m the One You Worry About (7)
Average: 12
Overall, our tracks were not determined to be recorded with a live audience (so overwhelmingly that we didn’t even bother listing the top 5). But, the joke’s on you, tunebat. If we recorded live with all of our fans in attendance, there would also be no audience, and they would sound identical.
The grand takeaway is that our music can be seen as perfectly suited for two things: (1) recreating the feeling of a crowded bus ride home at rush hour, in the rain, with all the windows fogged up, stopping at every stop and (2) playing at the end of a party when you want everyone to leave. To those of you that read all of this, thanks for hanging in there. Listen on, all you glorious fans!
April 12, 2020
You would think that in this time of global quarantine, we would quite productively be cranking out hit after chart-topping hit. You would be wrong! However, we have been cranking out snippet after bulletin board-filling snippet. Below, see our Board of Ultimate Triumph / Board of Ultimate Shame, or our BUTt BUS, as we like to call it (the extra t is silent, obviously, and also lower-case to emphasize its silence, maybe less obviously).
You would think that in this time of global quarantine, we would quite productively be cranking out hit after chart-topping hit. You would be wrong! However, we have been cranking out snippet after bulletin board-filling snippet. Below, see our Board of Ultimate Triumph / Board of Ultimate Shame, or our BUTt BUS, as we like to call it (the extra t is silent, obviously, and also lower-case to emphasize its silence, maybe less obviously).
How does one interpret such a wondrous, and yet calamitous BUTt BUS? We're not sure. But the triumphs may relate to:
- Songs on one side of the board are finished and ready to record.
- This is quite organized, and the penmanship is quite legible (in person).
- Not only are there enough thumbtacks for all the songs we have completed or snippets that we are currently working on, but there are even more for the next songs and snippets that may arise (within limits. We're not running a thumbtack factory here).
- Songs on one side of the board are not complete. That is a lot of unfinished nothings. Shame!
- What is even happening with those four pieces of paper in the middle? Are they finished or not? Are they good or bad? Shame!
- Those thumbtacks don't even all match. Ew. Just ew... and shame!
January 7, 2020
What are we up to these days, besides calculating the perfect ratio of "ooh"s to "aah"s in our songs? Mostly writing. We have a lot of new songs written to go with our unrecorded cache of old songs. We also have little snippets of songs that we are fleshing out, and/or combining together with some sort of glue or something. Someday we'll start recording them for our next album. But right now, we are just basking in the glory of having sold almost double-digit albums and getting some sweet new house slippers.
What are we up to these days, besides calculating the perfect ratio of "ooh"s to "aah"s in our songs? Mostly writing. We have a lot of new songs written to go with our unrecorded cache of old songs. We also have little snippets of songs that we are fleshing out, and/or combining together with some sort of glue or something. Someday we'll start recording them for our next album. But right now, we are just basking in the glory of having sold almost double-digit albums and getting some sweet new house slippers.
September 22, 2019
At long last, the new album, A Love More Supreme, is out! "What does it look like?" you ask? Like this:
At long last, the new album, A Love More Supreme, is out! "What does it look like?" you ask? Like this:
"What does it sound like?" you ask? Well, we prepared for just such a question. We asked our friend Tom to review the album and here’s what he had to say:
“Look, I know I said I would review this album for you guys, but things at work have been really crazy this week and I haven’t had a chance to do it. I’ll just say that it is the best album that I’ve never heard.”
But, as is turns out, Tom has also never listened to Sgt. Peppers, so that is some mighty high praise from Tom. In case that isn't enough to satisfy your appetite for all things Dollhouse Yellow, here are a few songs to delight and... whatever else they might do to you:
“Look, I know I said I would review this album for you guys, but things at work have been really crazy this week and I haven’t had a chance to do it. I’ll just say that it is the best album that I’ve never heard.”
But, as is turns out, Tom has also never listened to Sgt. Peppers, so that is some mighty high praise from Tom. In case that isn't enough to satisfy your appetite for all things Dollhouse Yellow, here are a few songs to delight and... whatever else they might do to you:
September 3, 2019
In the tradition of all great bands before us, as we neared the completion of our next album, we decided to pack up everything we own and move it all to another place. The good news is that our rehearsal and recording space has increased in size dramatically. The bad news is that our rehearsal and recording space currently has no electrical power. We are quickly running out of summer days to get this album released in the summer. We might still make it. I mean, probably not, but there's a chance.
In the tradition of all great bands before us, as we neared the completion of our next album, we decided to pack up everything we own and move it all to another place. The good news is that our rehearsal and recording space has increased in size dramatically. The bad news is that our rehearsal and recording space currently has no electrical power. We are quickly running out of summer days to get this album released in the summer. We might still make it. I mean, probably not, but there's a chance.
July 3, 2019
This picture can mean one of two things: (1) the new album has at least one saxophone part on it, or (2) we have been making prank phone calls to our old band director, but disguising our voice by talking through our saxophone. Well, the joke’s definitely on him, because prank calls through an alto saxophone are indistinguishable from prank calls through a bass clarinet, so he will never know it was us!
"Do you know what time it is in Germany? No? Okay, I'll call Bach later!"
Hilarious.
Both of these scenarios are obviously quite plausible. Either way, you should probably be prepared to be saxophonically seduced. And try to act surprised when there is a non-trivial uptick in the number of births 9 months after we release our next album.
This picture can mean one of two things: (1) the new album has at least one saxophone part on it, or (2) we have been making prank phone calls to our old band director, but disguising our voice by talking through our saxophone. Well, the joke’s definitely on him, because prank calls through an alto saxophone are indistinguishable from prank calls through a bass clarinet, so he will never know it was us!
"Do you know what time it is in Germany? No? Okay, I'll call Bach later!"
Hilarious.
Both of these scenarios are obviously quite plausible. Either way, you should probably be prepared to be saxophonically seduced. And try to act surprised when there is a non-trivial uptick in the number of births 9 months after we release our next album.
March 14, 2019
...and just like that, most of the snow has melted away. Perhaps we finally yelled loudly enough at the forecast, who day after day hoisted this miserable winter upon us. Now, we are left with no excuses for finishing the album. Until, of course, it snows in May. Why, hypothetical future weather forecast?! Why?!
As a legitimate update, it appears as though this new album will have 11 songs on it. Some of them are already in the final stages of mixing, and some have a lot of recording and re-recording left to do. That sounds pretty nebulous. It is pretty nebulous. That is because there is not a particular order that we follow when we record and mix. We just work on what we can while trying not to wake up everyone around us that is sleeping. And we also try to minimize the excessive background noise from everyone around us that is awake. Obviously, that weird hiss will never be totally gone, but you know.
...and just like that, most of the snow has melted away. Perhaps we finally yelled loudly enough at the forecast, who day after day hoisted this miserable winter upon us. Now, we are left with no excuses for finishing the album. Until, of course, it snows in May. Why, hypothetical future weather forecast?! Why?!
As a legitimate update, it appears as though this new album will have 11 songs on it. Some of them are already in the final stages of mixing, and some have a lot of recording and re-recording left to do. That sounds pretty nebulous. It is pretty nebulous. That is because there is not a particular order that we follow when we record and mix. We just work on what we can while trying not to wake up everyone around us that is sleeping. And we also try to minimize the excessive background noise from everyone around us that is awake. Obviously, that weird hiss will never be totally gone, but you know.
March 4, 2019
For the foreseeable eternity, we will be outside shoveling snow. If we ever finish shoveling snow, we might release the next album. This is the first time in memory that we have written out the word foreseeable, despite it being a mainstay of our collective band lexicon. Somehow, it looks like it should be spelled differently. Foreseeable. Weird. Anyway, hopefully the album will be out by the summer.
For the foreseeable eternity, we will be outside shoveling snow. If we ever finish shoveling snow, we might release the next album. This is the first time in memory that we have written out the word foreseeable, despite it being a mainstay of our collective band lexicon. Somehow, it looks like it should be spelled differently. Foreseeable. Weird. Anyway, hopefully the album will be out by the summer.
January 8, 2019
We are spending more time in the recording studio working on this next album. If our casual, witty banter during this process is any indication of what can be expected from the new songs, one might expect a lot of songs to examine the following few of life's little foibles:
We are spending more time in the recording studio working on this next album. If our casual, witty banter during this process is any indication of what can be expected from the new songs, one might expect a lot of songs to examine the following few of life's little foibles:
- Rants about the premature cancellation of Freaks and Geeks. Apparently, we're still quite upset.
- The proper pronunciation of apricot. If anything breaks the band apart, it will be this.
- Where is the line between green and yellow? If anything breaks up a reunion tour of the band, it will be this.
December 17, 2018
Your eyes do not deceive you! Behold! The majesty of the world's first Dollhouse Yellow unisex t-shirt! See the garment that is so amazing that you will be forced to ask yourself, "Do my eyes deceive me?" While you are beholding amazing things, notice how you can see the t-shirt in the image! Once again, your eyes do not deceive you! The shirt of many colors is visible because our light bulb has been replaced! And only 4 days later! Not bad for a band with no light bulb guy (but apparently a t-shirt guy that always comes through)!
Your eyes do not deceive you! Behold! The majesty of the world's first Dollhouse Yellow unisex t-shirt! See the garment that is so amazing that you will be forced to ask yourself, "Do my eyes deceive me?" While you are beholding amazing things, notice how you can see the t-shirt in the image! Once again, your eyes do not deceive you! The shirt of many colors is visible because our light bulb has been replaced! And only 4 days later! Not bad for a band with no light bulb guy (but apparently a t-shirt guy that always comes through)!
December 13, 2018
Today, we had a slight setback in our recording. A light bulb burned out in our recording space. Someday, we will be a huge band that has a light bulb guy. For now, we are changing our own light bulbs like a couple of normalos.
Today, we had a slight setback in our recording. A light bulb burned out in our recording space. Someday, we will be a huge band that has a light bulb guy. For now, we are changing our own light bulbs like a couple of normalos.
October 19, 2018
There is now a folder that exists on our hard drive called Album 4, so you know things are really progressing.
There is now a folder that exists on our hard drive called Album 4, so you know things are really progressing.
August 7, 2018
We have the next album all written and will soon begin recording it. That will probably take awhile because, as was foretold, someone else has come along. And when we say, "As was foretold," we are saying it in a really impressive, drawn-out, prophetic voice. Maybe you even got chills just reading it. If not, maybe you should try reading that sentence again.
We have the next album all written and will soon begin recording it. That will probably take awhile because, as was foretold, someone else has come along. And when we say, "As was foretold," we are saying it in a really impressive, drawn-out, prophetic voice. Maybe you even got chills just reading it. If not, maybe you should try reading that sentence again.
April 25, 2018
Just when you thought, "No. There is now way that they can release three albums in a year and a half," we are here to retort, "Yes, we can!" Just like that, our third album was released. It is called Before Someone Else Comes Along, and it is available in the usual places. According to our online fanzine editor, this new album is the best Dollhouse Yellow album since Under the Sycamores. Who are we to argue with that?
Just when you thought, "No. There is now way that they can release three albums in a year and a half," we are here to retort, "Yes, we can!" Just like that, our third album was released. It is called Before Someone Else Comes Along, and it is available in the usual places. According to our online fanzine editor, this new album is the best Dollhouse Yellow album since Under the Sycamores. Who are we to argue with that?
April 13, 2018
We're mixing another album, which should be out this Spring. It should be pretty rocking. Or not. What are we? Fortune tellers? No, we are not. But it should be pretty rocking.
We're mixing another album, which should be out this Spring. It should be pretty rocking. Or not. What are we? Fortune tellers? No, we are not. But it should be pretty rocking.
We have released our second album, entitled Under the Sycamores. Put down that Downtown Sasquatch record and let this tickle your eardrums instead! Maybe we'll update our website to match the new art, but maybe not. After all, Does yellow shag carpeting ever really go out of style?
November 9, 2017
...and just like that, the new album was released! So when you are riding on the bus today and see that person with earbuds in, rocking their head back and forth and tapping their feet to what is clearly the greatest music that anyone has ever heard, do not wonder what they are listening to! Smile, and know that they are listening to the new Dollhouse Yellow album, entitled Under the Sycamores. They probably are, anyway. We don't know. There are a lot of great albums out there.
And don't feel like you can only listen to this album on the bus. It is suitable for listening in all modes of transportation and even in most stationary settings. Included above is a picture of the album cover, so that you know what to look for and don't accidentally get the album by Schmollhouse Yellow instead.
...and just like that, the new album was released! So when you are riding on the bus today and see that person with earbuds in, rocking their head back and forth and tapping their feet to what is clearly the greatest music that anyone has ever heard, do not wonder what they are listening to! Smile, and know that they are listening to the new Dollhouse Yellow album, entitled Under the Sycamores. They probably are, anyway. We don't know. There are a lot of great albums out there.
And don't feel like you can only listen to this album on the bus. It is suitable for listening in all modes of transportation and even in most stationary settings. Included above is a picture of the album cover, so that you know what to look for and don't accidentally get the album by Schmollhouse Yellow instead.
October 9, 2017
I thought we were supposed to be mixing the new album, and Adam sneaks off to play bass in Minnesota's finest jazz band this weekend?
Anyway, here's a picture of Adam playing bass in Minnesota's finest jazz band this weekend.
I thought we were supposed to be mixing the new album, and Adam sneaks off to play bass in Minnesota's finest jazz band this weekend?
Anyway, here's a picture of Adam playing bass in Minnesota's finest jazz band this weekend.
September 22, 2017
Well, it is now the first day of autumn. Leaves are changing color, the temperature is dropping, and hordes of people are clamoring for this new Dollhouse Yellow album that was hyped for release by the end of summer. To those hordes, we say, "It's not done yet."
As it turns out, it takes us forever to do things. We are done recording and now we are just mixing, but even that we attack with the speed of a thousand turtles... and not those fast turtles that you see and think to yourself that you didn't know turtles could move that fast. We mean those turtles that are just kind of there, maybe sitting on a log, and you start to wonder if they are even real, or just a realistic statue forged by a very skilled craftsman. But then the head moves just a little bit, and you realize it was a real turtle all along. But a slow turtle. One that takes a long time to record and release a new album. And then multiplied by a thousand to be consistent with the original analogy.
Anyway, when the album comes, there will be 16 songs. Some guy came over to the house and listened to a few of the new songs, and he described them as, "Okay, I see what you were trying to do here. They're okay, I guess." And he really liked music, so you know they must be pretty okay.
Well, it is now the first day of autumn. Leaves are changing color, the temperature is dropping, and hordes of people are clamoring for this new Dollhouse Yellow album that was hyped for release by the end of summer. To those hordes, we say, "It's not done yet."
As it turns out, it takes us forever to do things. We are done recording and now we are just mixing, but even that we attack with the speed of a thousand turtles... and not those fast turtles that you see and think to yourself that you didn't know turtles could move that fast. We mean those turtles that are just kind of there, maybe sitting on a log, and you start to wonder if they are even real, or just a realistic statue forged by a very skilled craftsman. But then the head moves just a little bit, and you realize it was a real turtle all along. But a slow turtle. One that takes a long time to record and release a new album. And then multiplied by a thousand to be consistent with the original analogy.
Anyway, when the album comes, there will be 16 songs. Some guy came over to the house and listened to a few of the new songs, and he described them as, "Okay, I see what you were trying to do here. They're okay, I guess." And he really liked music, so you know they must be pretty okay.
July 19, 2017
Greetings, Dollhousians! Perhaps you are wondering what we have been up to lately (besides successfully avoiding being one of those bands with informative Facebook pages). We are currently in the middle of recording our next album. It'll probably be out at the end of summer. Not since the Wyld Stallyns rocked the world's face has a band done more to unite the world through the power of music. I don't want to write the glowing critiques for all of the music reviewers out there, but that last sentence is the obvious choice for the opening to any review of the album.
Greetings, Dollhousians! Perhaps you are wondering what we have been up to lately (besides successfully avoiding being one of those bands with informative Facebook pages). We are currently in the middle of recording our next album. It'll probably be out at the end of summer. Not since the Wyld Stallyns rocked the world's face has a band done more to unite the world through the power of music. I don't want to write the glowing critiques for all of the music reviewers out there, but that last sentence is the obvious choice for the opening to any review of the album.
The new album, Up. Down. All Around., is out now! Look for it at your favorite purveyor of music. It has a swell cover (pictured above) that conveniently matches the background of this very website!