Most of the material on The Changes’ 2006 full-length debut album Today Is Tonight would be best served if explained in all lower-cased letters. One should cut his or her pinkie fingers off to make it hard-to-impossible for their ring fingers to easily reach the shift key. (I’m not going to do that, but that’s what should happen). This small act would benefit the tonal lightness of the words, mostly written by guitarist Dave Rothblatt and mostly sung by rhythm guitarist Darren Spitzer — not in their effect or purpose, but in their disposition. They sprout with gentleness and the smoothness most typically associated with a baby’s behind, two things that would be hopelessly threatened by the turmoil that an accidental or even momentary CAPS LOCK would bring on. These Chicagoans made a special trip into our studio one weekend morning and they seemed to have come equipped with more than just their indoor voices. They brought some seductive whispering and the touch of the wee hours of a morning, as if they hadn’t quite been worn off just yet. They have a way with comfort, with sounding pleasantly English and remaining a band that is firmly rooted to the Midwestern part of the country, reluctantly missing Chicago Bears football games. They carry with them the same kind of suave demeanor as New Yorkers French Kicks do. They check 90-percent of their flash at the door and just kick out the tried and true rock and roll that, if done as exceptionally well as they both do it, should be enough to attract large quantities of not just eager co-eds, but indie worshipping bros as well. On these takes of songs from the Drama Club Records release, there’s more of a loping nonchalance to the songs that helps isolate their tender gene. Spitzer’s vocals — even more so than they do on the album — have the qualities of the cool side of the pillow, a true representation of a tumble into a land where the hairs on the back of your neck are casually and almost permanently spiked. — Sean Moeller

First song
Water of the Gods (The Changes) [2.26MB] [1820 downloads]


— original version appears on Today Is Tonight
This song can be hard to play sometimes but I think we really nailed it here. I’m playing an acoustic guitar I found in the studio. I can’t think of anything else to say.

Second song
When I Wake (The Changes) [3.81MB] [1845 downloads]


— original version appears on Today Is Tonight
I’ve been told that this is our most catchy song. I think we’re all sick of it’s poppy-ness so here we’ve played it in a sexy, lazy Sunday morning way, with acoustic guitars and improvised piano. We didn’t think about this particular arrangement because we tend to over think things and then ruin them. Here we just went for it and the result is pure, unadulterated MAGIC.

Third song
Such a Scene (The Changes) [2.93MB] [1708 downloads]


— original version appears on Today Is Tonight
This song is the oldest one we play. It’s incredible. Notice the way the chorus complements the verse in a way that’s never been done before. The verse is long and mysterious and emotionally complex and vague. Then the chorus hits you like a ton of bricks, followed by a slap in the face, followed by the twist of a nipple.

Fourth song
Her, You and I (The Changes) [5.51MB] [1793 downloads]


— original version appears on Today Is Tonight
This is from our album and it’s really long and Jonny and I take solos. We play this song at the end of every show to ensure a successful performance. Why? Because it builds and builds and the ending is explosive. The second after it’s over, the crowd screams, and then, “Good night, were The Changes,” house lights come on, sweat, tears. A great way to end the night.