VINYL VAULT: Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia (THE DANDY WARHOLS)

ALBUM TITLE: Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia ARTIST: The Dandy Warhols VINYL STATUS: New

It was a simpler time in the year 2000 - Y2K didn't kill us, Justin was still in N*SYNC and Killing Heidi dominated the ARIA Awards. But in between all the cargo pants and trucker hats, Oregon rockers The Dandy Warhols crept up and slapped some style into the world with their third studio album 'Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia'.

This outing was definitively what put the Dandys on the map commercially, and nearly two decades later it's not difficult to see why. Emerging with the sonic equivalent of a summer mirage ('Godless'), the album powers through 13-tracks wrapped up in a cohesive little package. And coming off some heavy psych-pop on second album 'The Dandy Warhols Come Down' (1997), 'Thirteen Tales' is a much sharper offering, both lyrically and musically.

The whole album twists and turns between genres, but unlike their earlier sound it's a seamless change from smooth haze ('Nietzsche' and 'Sleep'), to romping rock ('Horse Pills') and some psychadelic country ('Country Leaver'). Of course you can't talk about 'Thirteen Tales' without mentioning its stalwart single 'Bohemian Like You' - and while its popularity may be attributed to a Vodafone ad campaign and a Buffy The Vampire Slayer episode, the track was and still is a triumph of sexy riffs, sultry vocals and a healthy hint of satire.

On the surface the album is a rebellious homage to the grunge and rock of the late 90's and early 00's, boosted by singer Courtney Taylor-Taylor's sprawling stoner-chic vocals. But somehow the Dandys capture all of their influences and throw them in a blender with some insightful undertones and catchy hooks. And the result? An album that hasn't aged a day.

Take a trip down memory lane with the music video for 'Bohemian Like You' below:

Why should you own it on vinyl? Because David Bowie was a fan, so are you gonna tell me you know better than Ziggy? Also the hazy vibes are extra tasty on a turntable.

LABEL: Capitol Records GENRE(S): Alternative Rock RELEASE DATE: August, 2000

BY TIANA SPETER