Man/Miracle are a four piece band (Ian, Dylan, Brian and Tyler) from Oakland, California (originally formed at UC Santa Cruz). Their name, Man/Miracle, is a reference to a 1960’s film starring Belgian singer/songwriter Jacques Brel, who reached superstar level in Paris and Belgium as a musician, actor and director. While Man/Miracle have a way to go before they reach superstar level, they are definitely a band to watch. Based on the tracks I’ve heard, I’d bet they have at least a couple great albums in them. They have been hard at work on material for a potential full length that they recorded with Eli Crews of New, Improved Recording in Oakland. Last I spoke with them, they were in the mastering process. However, in the meantime the band has released a pretty awesome 7″ titled, Pushing and Shoving / You’ve Got a Hold On Me, which is out now on white vinyl and silk-screened jackets hand-sewn from canvas. As you can imagine, as a vinyl junkie and record collector, I’m pretty impressed. Even better the music is great, and it is presumably limited edition, so this is one you should get your hands on while it lasts. You can buy it here.
The single from the 7″, “Pushing and Shoving,” begins with a boisterous cacophony of chanting tambourines and hand claps that lead into an upbeat, catchy melody and vocals reminiscent of David Byrne. It has deservedly received excellent praise from a number of lesser known musical taste-makers such as Pitchfork (you may have heard of them). It’s a great appetizer, and it’ll leave you hungry for more.
