Our Constant Concern

1	Hoarding It for Home 4:15
2	10 Years Later 3:08
3	Über Legitimate 3:55
4	Girls Singing 3:05
5	I Know, and I Said Forget It 3:41
6	Quit Doin' It 3:47
7	A Duel Will Settle This 3:42
8	Clean Out 2:10
9	Halves and Have-Nots 1:57
10	As Night as Now 2:18

Barnes & Noble

Along with the White Stripes and Quasi, Mates of State prove that the right pair of musicians can cut out the fat and rock harder than bands twice (or four times) their size. Drummer/vocalist Jason Hammel and keyboardist/vocalist Kori Gardner were married in early 2001, and their musical union is evident -- Our Constant Concern pours forth as if from a single restless heart. Gardner and Hammel mix urgent, sweet-tart harmonies with Gardner’s retro-flavored keyboard lines and Hammel’s spare drumming. Like another dynamic duo, the Moldy Peaches, Gardner and Hammel’s narratives weave in and around each other, occasionally crashing together in glorious accord, as on the tinkly, minimalist opener, “Hoarding It for Home.” “Quit Doin’ It” begins with a cute sample of some nonsensical sound making -- but that’s as hi-tech as the Mates get. This is immediate, emotional pop stripped down to its leanest and meanest. Ganda Suthivarakom

All Music Guide

Mates of State's Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel opted to give up their day jobs in their native Lawrence, KS, for the rock & roll hills of California in order to make music their life. What an ambitious move. While spending most of 2001 on the road with the Anniversary and Beulah, the duo crafted what would become some of their most delightful pop songs. A stunning follow-up to 2000's My Solo Project, Our Constant Concern includes Mates of State's sugary pop hooks inside whimsical synth loops for ten indie love songs that breathe a life of their own. Bright-eyed Gardner isn't shameful of being in love. Neither is her musical mate and real-life companion, Hammel, and both frolic with deep lyrical conversations. Their harmonies are young but charming. Gardner's songs, like "Halves and Have-nots" and "Girls Singing," twinkle organ tones. "Quit Doin' It" stomps around with a sassy manner and indie rock stylings showcase what a perfect fit Mates of State really are. Their relationship is their musical storybook and Our Constant Concern playfully suggests that love can really be beautiful. MacKenzie Wilson