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	<title>Jon Mueller Archives | Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog</title>
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	<description>Indie Music Reviews, New Tracks &#38; Albums</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:05:08 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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	<title>Jon Mueller Archives | Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Best Albums of 2009: #20 to #11</title>
		<link>https://www.obscuresound.com/2009/12/best-albums-of-2009-20-to-11/</link>
					<comments>https://www.obscuresound.com/2009/12/best-albums-of-2009-20-to-11/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mike Mineo]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:21:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Atlantic Ocean]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Billy Bragg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cass]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dennis Wilson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Donna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elvis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gregorian chants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jon Mueller]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonathan Swift]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Karin Dreijer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manic Street]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[McCombs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milton Feher]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ray]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[READ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Richard Swift]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Richard Swift - Ballad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sweden]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://obscuresound.com/?p=3841</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The top ten will be unveiled tomorrow, but these albums are just as worthwhile.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.obscuresound.com/2009/12/best-albums-of-2009-20-to-11/">Best Albums of 2009: #20 to #11</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.obscuresound.com">Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3848" title="bo2" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/bo2.jpg" alt="bo2" width="400" height="220" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>by Mike Mineo</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">20. <strong>Volcano Choir &#8211; Unmap<br />
</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3842" title="vchoir1" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/vchoir1.jpg" alt="vchoir1" width="200" height="200" />When describing their influences, Volcano Choir throw around a variety of names like Steve Reich, Tom Waits, and other heroes of experimental music and pop. They also claim though that their most prominent influence &#8220;is music itself.&#8221; Such a statement may sound overbearing or pretentious, but one listen to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HMCEF8?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002HMCEF8" target="_blank"><em>Unmap</em></a>, the sextet&#8217;s debut, should reveal complex layers of beauty that almost seem to concisely display each of the member&#8217;s talents in one wholesomely satisfying package. Comprising Bon Iver&#8217;s Justin Vernon and an assortment of Wisconsin-based musicians, Volcano Choir&#8217;s <em>Unmap</em> is one of the more naturally ethereal albums of the year in its collaborative, layer-based approach. Whether the group tackles Sigur Rós-like Gregorian chants in the sprawling noise-pop of “Dote” or turn in one of the year&#8217;s most satisfying singles in the choppily brilliant “Island, IS”, each maneuver is a success that slowly but steadily constructs <em>Unmap</em> as a stunning debut. “Island, IS” uses several chopped-up samples of guitars and assorted string instruments over the reverbed echo of Vernon&#8217;s somber croon. The clash between minimalism and folk is extraordinary done, with the repetition of melodic fragments colliding beautifully with Vernon&#8217;s voice and the building percussion of Jon Mueller. As one of the album&#8217;s more barren numbers, “And Gather” is appropriately titled for a style that comes across as joyous and inviting. The soft strumming of an acoustic guitar is hidden behind steady handclaps and gleeful whimpers that seem to vocally involve all six members in some way. It seems to be sitting comfortably in a campfire setting, perturbed by nothing apart from any unnatural force intent on interrupting this spontaneous creation of music. <em>Unmap</em> concocts a lot of imagery without even emitting distinguishable words, a sign of brilliant production and musicianship at the very least. Collaboration can be a complex maneuver in music, but Volcano Choir have crafted one of this year&#8217;s finest by involving all of its members in an equal and sophisticated manner.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/vchoir-isl.mp3" target="_self">Volcano Choir &#8211; Island, IS</a></span></strong><em><a href="http://killitkid.com/" target="_blank"><em> </em></a></em></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/vchoir-isl.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/vchoir-and.mp3" target="_self">Volcano Choir &#8211; And Gather<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/vchoir-and.mp3]
<p><a href="http://volcanochoir.com/" target="_blank"><em>Official Site</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.myspace.com/volcanochoir" target="_blank"><em>MySpace</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HMCEF8?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002HMCEF8" target="_blank">BUY</a></p>
<p><a href="http://obscuresound.com/?p=3162" target="_blank">READ MORE&gt;&gt;&gt;</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">19.<strong> Brazos &#8211; Phosphorescent Blues</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3847" title="brazos" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/brazos.JPG" alt="brazos" width="200" height="200" />Recorded in his reclusive South Austin home, Brazos frontman Martin Crane injects a series of classic naturalist themes in an intimate showing of folk and alternative-rock strongly indicative of both his poetic and melodic capabilities. The Austin-based trio are bound to attract enough attention with their constant wit displayed throughout <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RKV53W?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002RKV53W" target="_blank"><em>Phosphorescent Blues</em></a></em>, their first full-length after two EPs were released in 2007. While <em>Walden</em> showed Thoreau&#8217;s “life in the woods” as breakthrough personal meditation, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RKV53W?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002RKV53W" target="_blank"><em>Phosphorescent Blues</em></a></em> represents Crane&#8217;s commentary on life&#8217;s most imminent and affecting tribulations in the perspective of external contemplation. Despite the chronological and reputable differences of the two works, this examination is their meeting point. <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RKV53W?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002RKV53W" target="_blank"><em>Phosphorescent Blues</em></a></em> is so easy to relate to that its exposition of intricate concepts come off in a way that is lighthearted without being offensive. You know how your best friend tends to complete your sentences? “My Buddy” covers that with wit and caressing layers of surprisingly melodic distortion. What about that person in your life who offers great sex but nothing else? “Day Glo” medicates it with humor, joined by a droning style of key-tinged folk that recalls Phoenix with its abrupt elegance. Specifically, the unique nature of each track brings out a resoundingly strong effort that should contend for one of the year&#8217;s best full-length debuts. One of the reasons for this is how the trio is able to transcribe life&#8217;s complexities into a humorous or witty vein. “I don&#8217;t mind dying when I make love to her,” Crane sings on “Day Glo” before an entry of trippy brass unexpectedly descends upon the acoustics and keys. “Close but not close, far but not too far away.” The keys that seem to dance and mingle under Crane&#8217;s quivering voice brings to mind a versatile folk artist like Andrew Bird, though Brazos do express more variation in tempo and style. Stylistic versatility, intelligent contemplation, and melodic captivation are all characteristics of Brazos, as any song on their memorable <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RKV53W?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002RKV53W" target="_blank"><em>Phosphorescent Blues</em></a></em> could tell you.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/brazos-day.mp3" target="_blank">Brazos &#8211; Day Glo</a></span></strong><em><a href="http://killitkid.com/" target="_blank"><em> </em></a></em></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/brazos-day.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/brazos-myb.mp3" target="_blank">Brazos &#8211; My Buddy</a></span></strong><em><a href="http://killitkid.com/" target="_blank"><em> </em></a></em></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/brazos-myb.mp3]
<p><a href="http://www.brazosbrazos.com/" target="_blank"><em>Official Web Site</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.myspace.com/brazosbrazos" target="_blank"><em>MySpace</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RKV53W?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002RKV53W" target="_blank">BUY</a></p>
<p><a href="http://obscuresound.com/?p=3656" target="_blank">READ MORE&gt;&gt;&gt;</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">18. <strong>Girls &#8211; Album<br />
</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3860" title="hotgirls" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/hotgirls.jpg" alt="hotgirls" width="200" height="200" />2009 has seen in much in terms of hazy, surf-rock inspired acts like Wavves and Washed Out. A movement classified by many as &#8220;chillwave&#8221; is emerging and looking good. Girls may have similar influences but they do not apply. Instead, they reclaim sunny &#8217;70s pop and psychedelia that is crisp and coherent rather than contained in an ethereal reverbed bliss. The San Francisco-based quartet have really made a nice pop album with their debut, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002N7H6GY?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002N7H6GY" target="_blank"><em>Album</em></a>. It is so easy to got lost in the swirling guitars of centerpiece &#8220;Laura&#8221;, recalling both sunny &#8217;70s California pop and twangy southern-rock. The result is also one inspired by the goofy but technically astute power-pop of Jonathan Richman, whose wit and simplistic ability to relate was influential in addition to his melodic prowess. The ambition on Girls&#8217; part is blatantly apparent and the consistent throughout <em>Album</em> is shocking considering the band&#8217;s inexperience. It serves as one of the few debuts this year that touts quality from start to finish, serving as a true throwback in never focusing on one instrument or melodic lead. The playfully mopey vocals of Christopher Owens suggest a DIY, minimalistic feel, but prominent influences like the Beach Boys inspire rich multiple melodies. Still, a laudable effort like &#8220;God Damned&#8221; benefits heavily from its lo-fi production. One could easily envision a one-man band when listening to its raw intensity. You hear an extremely powerful melody being portrayed by Owens&#8217; emotive vocals, backed by the shuffle of an acoustic guitar and various minor percussion elements. Its minimalistic, sure, but it packs a heavy emotional punch that is equal to more complex pop songs like &#8220;Laura&#8221; or the gorgeously epic &#8220;Hellhole Ratface&#8221;. The latter finds a fusion of acoustic and electric guitars combining with a loud bass drum, all leading up to an anticipated melodic burst that is reminiscent to Spiritualized&#8217;s better material. Such comparisons are admirable for any debut, and this is exactly the reason why Girls are receiving so much acclaim. This one may be looked back on as one of the better debuts of its decade, especially if Girls live up to their lofty potential.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/girls-god.mp3" target="_blank">Girls &#8211; God Damned</a></span></strong><em><a href="http://killitkid.com/" target="_blank"><em> </em></a></em></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/girls-god.mp3]
<p><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/girls-lus.mp3" target="_blank"><strong>Girls &#8211; Lust For Life</strong></a></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/girls-lus.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/girls-lau.mp3" target="_blank">Girls &#8211; Laura</a></span></strong><em><a href="http://killitkid.com/" target="_blank"><em> </em></a></em></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/girls-lau.mp3]
<p><a href="http://www.matadorrecords.com/girls/index.html" target="_blank"><em>Matador Records</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.myspace.com/girls" target="_blank"><em>MySpace</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002N7H6GY?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002N7H6GY" target="_blank">BUY</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">17. <strong>Manic Street Preachers &#8211; Journal for Plague Lovers</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3861" title="mpreachers" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/mpreachers.jpg" alt="mpreachers" width="200" height="200" />Manic Street Preachers had a surprisingly cohesive career after the disappearance of Richey Edwards, a talented lyricist who contributed well to the band&#8217;s sound on the classic <em>The Holy Bible</em>. Their ninth album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NT1DAM?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002NT1DAM" target="_blank"><em>Journal for Plague Lovers</em></a>, is a delayed successor of sorts, using lyrics left by Edwards and collected from his portfolio and also revitalizing a sound the heaviest and most unpredictable it has been since <em>The Holy Bible</em>. Lyrics by Edwards are certainly a nice novelty and contribute to the album&#8217;s sincerity as expected, but the band&#8217;s stellar performance is what prevents it from being simply a tribute album. The new material here is some of the best from the band in a decade, clearly showing that Edwards&#8217; collection had inspired the band to great things. Oddly titled tracks like &#8220;Jackie Collins Existential Question Time&#8221;  with their fascinating . &#8220;Oh mommy, what&#8217;s a Sex Pistol?&#8221; repeats as a very jubillant series of guitar riffs present themselves. The shimmering quality of the song is bolstered by several hooks that James Dean Bradfield delivers with his usual power. <em>Journal for Plague Lovers</em> is not exactly a comeback since the Manic Street Preachers never embarrassed themselves, and it is pretty impressive how raw and powerful the band sounds after all these year. There is no sign of aging here, as boisterously anthemic tracks like &#8220;She Bathed Herself in a Bath of Bleach&#8221; proclaim with tumultuous guitar riffs and choppy solos. It contains the sort of unpredictable angst that made early Manic Street Preachers so satisfying and relevant. Their foray into readily accessible and radio-friendly pop songs provided some great enjoyment, as did their previous experimentation in genres of electro-pop and power-pop. Somehow though, the throwback approach done on <em>Journal for Plague Lovers</em> sounds the most appropriate for a band of the Manic Street Preachers&#8217; stature.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/msp-thi.mp3" target="_self">Manic Street Preachers &#8211; This Joke Sport Severed<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/msp-thi.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/msp-she.mp3" target="_self">Manic Street Preachers &#8211; She Bathed Herself in a Bath of Bleach<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/msp-she.mp3]
<p><a href="http://www.manicstreetpreachers.com/" target="_blank"><em>Official Web Site</em></a></p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.myspace.com/manics" target="_blank"><em>MySpace</em></a></em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NT1DAM?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002NT1DAM" target="_blank">BUY</a><br />
<!-- wp_ad_camp_1 --></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">16. <strong>Richard Swift – The Atlantic Ocean<br />
</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3850" title="swift" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/swift.jpg" alt="swift" width="200" height="200" />Since his sixth great uncle is famous satirist and writer Jonathan Swift, one could say that good storytelling runs in Richard Swift’s family. Naturally, his lyrical ability is wildly impressive and has been since the since the double-release of his first two albums, <em>Walking Without Effort</em> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X6ZIB2?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;link_code=as3&amp;camp=211189&amp;creative=373489&amp;creativeASIN=B000X6ZIB2" target="_blank"><em>The Novelist</em></a>, in 2005. The primary theme of <em>The Novelist</em> was heavily indicative of Swift’s forte, a writer who often comes across the romanticized perspective of unheralded artists. Both albums also showed a blissful interpretation of Tin Pan Alley pop, stemming from a raw interest in pop music that developed within Swift as he sang in Quaker churches throughout his early teens. Swift’s new album, <em>The Atlantic Ocean</em>, appears to be his most stylistically decisive effort yet, opting for a highly enjoyable mixture of piano ballads and key-led pop, with an occasional guitar here and there providing for a touch of rock ‘n’ roll. The keys are often adorned with bouncy synths, a trait that makes tracks like “The Original Thought” and “A Song for Milton Feher” a few of the best on the album. Swift’s voice is endearing in a throwback sort of way, at times becoming startlingly reminiscent of the late Dennis Wilson and his brooding voice’s ability to sound remarkable over a piano. Swift’s material is a bit more excitable and upbeat, but a track like “Ballad of Old What’s His Name” succeeds tremendously with a spine-chilling chorus that has Swift repeating, “Please don’t you cry anymore,” he sings with a rollicking southern-rock flair. The guitar progressions are later accentuated by a beautiful horn section, which sounds stunning under Swift’s excellent chorus. The equally outstanding “Already Gone” capitalizes similarly on Swift’s ethereal vocals during the chorus, though this time it is preceded by a brooding piano as Swift takes on a nasally delivery that seems almost Elvis Costello-like. “You know I love you, so honey don’t go, too many secrets you’ll never knows,” he croons in a near-whisper over the wavering of synths and a forceful piano. “But it’s already gone.” For Swift, it is only beginning.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/rswift-bal.mp3" target="_self">Richard Swift &#8211; Ballad of Old What&#8217;s His Name<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/rswift-bal.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/rswift-ale.mp3" target="_self">Richard Swift &#8211; Already Gone<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/rswift-ale.mp3]
<p><a href="http://www.richardswift.us/" target="_blank"><em>Official Web Site</em></a></p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.myspace.com/richardswift" target="_blank"><em>MySpace</em></a></em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&amp;keywords=richard%20swift&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;index=digital-music&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325" target="_blank">BUY</a></p>
<p><a href="http://obscuresound.com/?p=2848" target="_blank">READ MORE&gt;&gt;&gt;</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">15. <strong>Cass McCombs &#8211; Catacombs<br />
</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3862" title="Cass-McCombs-Catacombs-470437" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Cass-McCombs-Catacombs-470437.jpg" alt="Cass-McCombs-Catacombs-470437" width="200" height="200" />Cass McCombs is one of the few artists that managed to first get my attention via a b-side. A psychedelic gem on the single of &#8220;Sacred Heart&#8221;, &#8220;Twins&#8221; is an underrated gem that all should check out (MP3 below). It is generally indicative of ‘60s British psychedelia with a brooding introduction that features an instrumental whirlwind of both post-punk and psychedelic influences. I find the contemporary relevance of McCombs&#8217; specific style to be very reminiscent of Pulp’s <em>This Is Hardcore</em>, adding yet another British comparison to McCombs despite the fact that he is a Californian. It simply speaks to his knowledge of his targeted genre, and in “Twins” he literally does no wrong. Alternating between a whimpering croon and series of self-induced backing harmonies, McCombs continuously comes back to a chorus in which he somberly repeats, “You lied to me, you lied to me.” Underneath a spectacle of melancholic keys and thickly reverberating guitars and bass, “Twins” speaks more to McCombs’ ability than any other song I have come across. Well, that was until he released <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EHJS1E?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002EHJS1E" target="_blank"><em>Catacombs</em></a> this year. McCombs abandons the heavy reverb and psychedelic-heavy sound of past releases and opts for a crisper version of pop. His folk influences also shine through on Catacombs, which despite its stylistic differences is the best cumulative effort of McCombs&#8217; career so far. &#8220;Dreams Come True Girl&#8221; is sweet and tender with its pleading snippets of guitar, backed by a Motown-inspired bass line that moves with McCombs&#8217; haunting croon. &#8220;Prima Donna&#8221; reaches similar heights with little more than a guitar and McCombs&#8217; voice, his poetic lyrics and nasally croon portraying the same traditional alt-folk as Billy Bragg. Like Bragg, the lyrics are endlessly captivating and his musical accompaniments are sweet and tender. McCombs is continuing to grow nicely as a songwriter, although letting loose once awhile to produce another track like &#8220;Twins&#8221; would not hurt.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/mcco-dre.mp3" target="_blank">Cass McCombs &#8211; Dreams Come True Girl<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/mcco-dre.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/mcco-pri.mp3">Cass McCombs &#8211; Prima Donna<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/mcco-pri.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/mcco-twi.mp3" target="_blank">Cass McCombs &#8211; Twins<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/mcco-twi.mp3]
<p><a href="http://www.dominorecordco.com/artists/cass-mccombs/" target="_blank"><em>Domino Records</em></a></p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.myspace.com/cassmccombs" target="_blank"><em>MySpace</em></a></em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EHJS1E?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002EHJS1E" target="_blank">BUY</a><br />
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<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">14. <strong>Fever Ray &#8211; Fever Ray<br />
</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3852" title="fever_ray-fever_ray-album_art" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/fever_ray-fever_ray-album_art.jpg" alt="fever_ray-fever_ray-album_art" width="200" height="200" />By the time that Swedish brother-sister duo Karin Dreijer Andersson and Olof Dreijer released their third full-length album in 2006, The Knife had already achieved a status as one of the most reputable electronic groups in Sweden. Two Grammi (the Swedish equivalent of the Grammys) nominations in 2003 brought them their first glimpse at national recognition. Their 2006 release, <em>Silent Shout</em>, shot the duo to internatonal fame with their dark and chilly electronica. Five successful singles came from it as well, giving the siblings a bit of career flexibility. Karin Dreijer Andersson has certainly kept herself busy with the debut of her new solo project, Fever Ray. One of the debut&#8217;s standouts, “Now’s the Only Time I Know”, is an accessible example of how Andersson has carried over her engaging techniques from The Knife throughout Fever Ray’s ten new songs, many of which are equal to or even surpass several tracks on <em>Silent Shout</em>. It is also one of the best examples of the way her vocals evolve throughout a given song in accordance to its instrumental accompaniment. Her first few lines are barren, reflected by a similar vocal track that is delayed by a few seconds. However, when a synth pad emerges and the percussion intensifies with an extra kick, her intensity rises and an extra dose of reverb is found alongside a chorus that works wonders with a bubbly bass line and trickling synths. “When I Grow Up” sees a more minimalistic approach, with a more consistently ardent delivery reminiscent of The Knife’s “Like a Pen”, only without the driving pulse of techno. Using a synth arpeggio as its steady heartbeat, a twinkle here and there of chirpy keys adds to the irresistibility of “Triangle Walks” in a way that, like “Now’s the Only Time I Know”, should appeal to listeners who have little to no familiarity with The Knife. Those who enjoyed any of The Knife’s prior releases, though, will find Fever Ray’s self-titled debut to be more than capable of delivering the same thrills that one of the best albums of 2006 did so effectively.<em> </em></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/fray-now.mp3" target="_self">Fever Ray &#8211; Now&#8217;s the Only Time I Know<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/fray-now.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/fray-tri.mp3" target="_self">Fever Ray &#8211; Triangle Walks<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/fray-tri.mp3]
<p><a href="http://www.feverray.com/" target="_blank"><em>Official Web Site</em></a></p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.myspace.com/feverray" target="_blank"><em>MySpace</em></a></em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OBOZ6O?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001OBOZ6O" target="_blank">BUY</a></p>
<p><a href="http://obscuresound.com/?p=2666" target="_blank">READ MORE&gt;&gt;&gt;</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">13. <strong>Kinetic Stereokids &#8211; Kid Moves<br />
</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3855" title="kinetic" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/kinetic.jpg" alt="kinetic" width="200" height="200" /> Preparing a sophomore album is always a sensitive topic. It is the band’s first exposure to a world of expectations, regardless of whether your album went gold or sold ten copies. Criticism tends to be taken more prominently for the most mature artists, as these eventually come to be perceived as free constructive criticism rather than some blowhard lamenting his biased disdain for a style he personally does not enjoy. That Kinetic Stereokids have released an epic for their second album seems like a gesture of sorts, perhaps to the critics that found their 2007 debut, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R04RVG?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000R04RVG" target="_blank"><em>Basement Kids</em></a>, too inconsistent for their tastes. Sometimes it was too flip-floppy, while other times it was consistent but too mundane. The impressive qualities certainly outweighed the bad ones, but it struggled like most debuts do in attempting to capture a cohesive feel throughout the album. This often relies on thematic and melodic consistencies, which are two qualities that Kinetic Stereokids’ new album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UYVQLC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001UYVQLC" target="_blank"><em>Kid Moves</em></a>, accomplishes with relative ease. Its length spans over 70 minutes, but the consistent focus on recapturing youth results in some of the freshest and most inventive material you are bound to hear this year. The opener, “Free Money”, sounds like one of those summer jams from the ‘90s with its infusion of hip-hop percussion and chirpy vocals corresponding excellently with the near-improvised distortion of several electric guitars. As the band personally clarifies, fusing the sounds of Sonic Youth and the Beastie Boys is not the worst idea in the world. “Twisted Thoughts” is not as intricately interwoven but it still packs a similar punch, contrasting an automated robot voice with naturally sweet acoustics and a natural croon that shows Kinetic Stereokids as supremely talented musicians with a great knack for melody. That it is followed by the psychedelic hip-hop of “Drugs Is a Drag” is no coincidence, as <em>Kid Moves</em> is an album that flows with surprising precision despite its daunting stylistic diversity. “Drugs Is a Drag” later flows into some Avalanches-like mash-up that leaves me thoroughly impressed; the incorporation of guitar solos over the samples of an operatic tenor, hazy percussion, and warbled vocals make this an effort of extreme innovation, just like <em>Kid Moves</em> itself.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/kkids-pla.mp3" target="_self">Kinetic Stereokids &#8211; Planes with Teeth<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/kkids-pla.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/kkids-twi.mp3" target="_self">Kinetic Stereokids &#8211; Twisted Thoughts<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/kkids-twi.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/kkids-dru.mp3" target="_self">Kinetic Stereokids &#8211; Drugs Is a Drag<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/kkids-dru.mp3]
<p><a href="http://www.kineticstereokids.net/" target="_blank"><em>Official Web Site</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.myspace.com/kineticstereokids" target="_blank"><em>MySpace</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&amp;keywords=kinetic%20stereokids&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;index=digital-music&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325" target="_blank">BUY</a></p>
<p><a href="http://obscuresound.com/?p=3095" target="_blank">READ MORE&gt;&gt;&gt;</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">12. <strong>Junior Boys &#8211; Begone Dull Care<br />
</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3858" title="jboyszz" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/jboyszz.jpg" alt="jboyszz" width="200" height="200" />For their third album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0022F6JYM?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0022F6JYM" target="_blank"><em>Begone Dull Care</em></a>, Junior Boys have found somewhat of a middle point between both of their preceding releases. Their grasp of illustrious pop music remains strong, even as several aspects of their music have taken a more constricted approach. Ironically, this constraint proves to be beneficial on several tracks, most notably on efforts like “Sneak a Picture” and “Parallel Lines” where the use of percussion is extremely minimal compared to their previous, more hectically involved works like on “Birthday”. On “Parallel Lines”, the album’s opener, the percussion relies more on reverb and subdued flexibility than intensity. Combined with a bass arpeggio and a few percussively enabled samples, the introduction sounds surprisingly bare for Junior Boys’ standards. However, as the track later proves, its build-up is dependent on its success. When Greenspan’s vocals emerge nearly simultaneously with a brief electro-sax accompaniment and a whirring synth pad, the listener is reminded of the infectious tranquility of gems like “Teach Me How to Fight” and “Neon Rider”. While Greenspan does not turn into some gaudy diva on this album, his voice is more prevalently involved in the songs. On “Bits and Pieces”, one of the duo’s most infectiously concise efforts to date, he alternates between a falsetto and suave electro-pop flamboyance. The song’s structure is simple enough, but he brings the track to unforeseen heights during its bouncy chorus and seductively minimalistic verses. “Hazel” shows more of this vocal swagger, whether in the snappy verses or his disco-y “ooh, ooh, ooh” whimper during the club-like series of synthesized chords toward the track’s conclusion. These moments are surely excellent, but few can rival the brilliance of “Sneak a Picture”. Beautiful from its inception, both scratchy bass-like and fluttery synths collide in “Sneak a Picture” to establish an initially memorable melody that does nothing but get even better. When Greenspan’s vocals enter the picture, he is only accompanied by a squirmy synth at the end of each measure and a high-pitched arpeggio. The latter remains steady for most of the track, but the track’s brilliance derives primarily from a series of ingeniously constructed ideas that include a chorus that somehow finds the perfect meeting place between cohesiveness and precisely executed variety. <em>Begone Dull Care</em> was written as an ode to animator <a href="http://www.nfb.ca/film/begone_dull_care_caprice_couleurs/" target="_blank">Norman McLaren</a>, and like his genius work Junior Boys are able to create heaps of expression with minimalistic means.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/jboys-sne.mp3" target="_self">Junior Boys &#8211; Sneak a Picture<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/jboys-sne.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/jboys-bit.mp3" target="_self">Junior Boys &#8211; Bits and Pieces<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/jboys-bit.mp3]
<p><a href="http://www.juniorboys.net/" target="_blank"><em>Official Web Site</em></a></p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.myspace.com/juniorboys" target="_blank"><em>MySpace</em></a></em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0022F6JYM?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0022F6JYM" target="_blank">BUY</a></p>
<p><a href="http://obscuresound.com/?p=2724" target="_blank">READ MORE&gt;&gt;&gt;</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">11. <strong>The Antlers &#8211;  Hospice<br />
</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3863" title="hospice" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/hospice.jpg" alt="hospice" width="200" height="200" /> Rarely is an album as dense as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CAVIBQ?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002CAVIBQ" target="_blank"><em>Hospice</em></a> so utterly captivating. Concept albums strive so hard to avoid pretentious themes that they often end up sounding overly hesitant as a result. <em>Hospice</em> is different though. This is a sincere, resoundingly dramatic album centered around a young home-care worker who falls in love with a patient. Frontman Peter Silberman is stunning as the haunting protagonist, his quivering vocals relay tales of anguished heartbreak that few albums this year could even compare to in sincerity alone. &#8220;I&#8217;d happily take all of those bullets inside you and put them inside of myself,&#8221; he sings in &#8220;Atrophy&#8221;. &#8220;I&#8217;m bound to your bedside, your eulogy singer.&#8221; Rarely do words and musical accompaniments go so well together. <em>Hospice</em> is like a great book in the sense that it strikes such an emotional chord that you want to share it with friends. It plays like one of the most heartfelt dramas you are likely to hear all year, backed by excellent performances that circulate from the piano-led balladry of &#8220;Atrophy&#8221; to the upbeat acoustics of &#8220;Two&#8221;. Silberman wrote this during a period of &#8220;social isolation&#8221; that must have also served as a period of rewarding contemplation. Like Bon Iver&#8217;s Justin Vernon, he prevailed to release one of the greatest albums of the year that is propelled by a unique emotional interpretations of life&#8217;s virtues and risks. Occasionally complete with horns and extravagant arrangements, The Antlers are certainly more expansive pop music but that does not detract from the intricacies. Silberman&#8217;s amazing narrative abilities are enough to behold on their own, and it makes it so easy for the listener to get lost in the hazy ethereal gaze of &#8220;Shiva&#8221; or the exuberant burst of excitement during the chorus of &#8220;Bear&#8221;. This certain burst is part of an excellent narrative detailing a 21st birthday of self-discovery, one that is clearly tragic and very personal despite the upbeat acoustics. It is an example of how The Antler are able to mix stellar hooks with some very realistic and sensitive issues, most of them universal in being recognized as unfortunate plights. The result that <em>Hospice</em> produces is utterly brilliant and highly recommended. The Antlers clearly have what it takes to be one of 2010&#8217;s most talked-about acts.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/antler-bea.mp3" target="_blank">The Antlers &#8211; Bear</a></span></strong><em><a href="http://killitkid.com/" target="_blank"><em> </em></a></em></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/antler-bea.mp3]
<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/antler-atr.mp3" target="_blank">The Antlers &#8211; Atrophy</a></span></strong><em><a href="http://killitkid.com/" target="_blank"><em> </em></a></em></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/antler-atr.mp3]
<p><a href="http://www.antlersmusic.com/" target="_blank"><em>Official Web Site</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.myspace.com/theantlers/" target="_blank"><em>MySpace</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CAVIBQ?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002CAVIBQ" target="_blank">BUY</a><br />
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.obscuresound.com/2009/12/best-albums-of-2009-20-to-11/">Best Albums of 2009: #20 to #11</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.obscuresound.com">Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog</a>.</p>
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		<title>Gather the Volcano Choir</title>
		<link>https://www.obscuresound.com/2009/09/gather-the-volcano-choir/</link>
					<comments>https://www.obscuresound.com/2009/09/gather-the-volcano-choir/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mike Mineo]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:36:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Rosenau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dan Spack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jim Schoenecker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jon Mueller]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Justin Vernon]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[notch musicians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spencer krug]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Steve Reich]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thomas Wincek]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Wisconsin]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Ambiguity and exposure have an interesting bond in the world of independent music. To associate one with the other immediately seems like a contradiction, but also consider that many deem the role of popularity and experimentation to be incompatible in association. For that though, we know it is not the case because true fans of music push aside both the pretentiousness or mainstream recognition components of an artist if they produce quality music. Justin Vernon, known prominently under his Bon Iver alias, may not be music&#8217;s hottest celebrity, but anyone who has read any type of music publication in the</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.obscuresound.com/2009/09/gather-the-volcano-choir/">Gather the Volcano Choir</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.obscuresound.com">Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" title="vchoir0" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/vchoir0.jpg" alt="vchoir0" width="360" height="240" /></p>
<p>Ambiguity and exposure have an interesting bond in the world of independent music. To associate one with the other immediately seems like a contradiction, but also consider that many deem the role of popularity and experimentation to be incompatible in association. For that though, we know it is not the case because true fans of music push aside both the pretentiousness or mainstream recognition components of an artist if they produce quality music. Justin Vernon, known prominently under his Bon Iver alias, may not be music&#8217;s hottest celebrity, but anyone who has read any type of music publication in the past two years is likely familiar with his material. Like a Panda Bear or Spencer Krug, he has acquired enough recent acclaim to boost any project into the spotlight with his mere presence. A brand name can sometimes bring a bigger ego than ideas, but in Vernon&#8217;s case this is clearly not the case. The sincerity, passion, and craftsmanship exhibited in his music shows that. In fact, in addition to his obvious skills being utilized, his popularity should result in the new discovery of collaborating musicians that are just as vital to this excellent new project. By listening to their excellent debut on its own, one can easily discover that <strong>Volcano Choir</strong> is more than a Justin Vernon side-project. It is the heart and soul of the six different musicians involved.<br />
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Despite what Volcano Choir&#8217;s recent emergence may suggest, the trio dates back to 2005. Years before Vernon became a household name, he and a bunch of top-notch musicians and friends formed a project that they regarded very aptly as a dedication to music itself. They throw around a variety of names like Steve Reich, Tom Waits, and other heroes of experimental music and pop as influences, but they go on to claim that “the group&#8217;s influence is music itself.” Such a statement may sound overbearing or pretentious, but one listen to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HMCEF8?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002HMCEF8" target="_blank"><em>Unmap</em></a>, the sextet&#8217;s debut, should reveal complex layers of beautiful melodies that almost seem to concisely display each of the member&#8217;s talents in one wholesomely satisfying package. Vernon&#8217;s quivering croon is wisely evident, but there are so many other things that make <em>Unmap</em> one of the most impressive debuts of the year. Volcano Choir encompasses a bunch of members from one of Wisconsin&#8217;s most adored bands, bands, Collections of Colonies of Bees. Jon Mueller, Chris Rosenau, Dan Spack, Jim Schoenecker, and Thomas Wincek all lend their talents in a majestic and equatable manner, from Mueller&#8217;s experimental-noise and percussive talents to Rosenau&#8217;s glittering guitar work. Wincek and Schoenecker both were in control of Collections of Colonies of Bees&#8217; electronics and keys, and both prove vital on a release that blends high-tech experimental production with naturally blissful pop melodies that derive from the talents of each member.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" title="vchoir1" src="http://obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/vchoir1.jpg" alt="vchoir1" width="428" height="240" /></p>
<p>As I mentioned earlier, Vernon&#8217;s popularity should bring light to the worthwhile material of Collections of Colonies of Bees, even if their name is a bit of a mouthful. And when listeners begin to investigate both that group and the solo material of each member, Volcano Choir&#8217;s sound becomes increasingly apparent. Whether they tackle Sigur Rós-like Gregorian chants in the sprawling noise-pop of “Dote” or turn in one of the year&#8217;s most satisfying singles in the choppily brilliant “Island, IS”, each maneuver is a success that slowly but steadily constructs <em>Unmap</em> as a stunning debut. “Island, IS” uses several chopped-up samples of guitars and assorted string instruments over the reverbed echo of Vernon&#8217;s somber croon. The clash between minimalism and folk is extraordinary done, with the repetition of melodic fragments colliding beautifully with Vernon&#8217;s voice and the building percussion of Mueller. Mueller, while notable for his percussive accomplishments, also has some worthwhile noise material to offer on his solo page. Structurally, “Seeplymouth” is even more reminiscent of Reich-like minimalism, using the driving pulse of voice echoes and guitar twinkles to slowly establish a building melody that eventually ceases for the emergence of Vernon&#8217;s vocals. Like on his Bon Iver material, they appear omniscient in the way his vocals cohesively adjust in accordance to the lush instrumentation. Listeners are used to this sort of the thing from Vernon by now, but hearing his vocal skills under the grandiose construction of sounds from his stellar collaborators are a whole new experience altogether.</p>
<p>For the album&#8217;s more barren numbers, “And Gather” is appropriately titled for a style that comes across as joyous and inviting. The soft strumming of an acoustic guitar is hidden behind steady handclaps and gleeful whimpers that seem to vocally involve all six members in some way. It seems to be sitting comfortably in a campfire setting, perturbed by nothing apart from any unnatural force intent on interrupting this spontaneous creation of music. <em>Unmap</em> concocts a lot of imagery without even emitting distinguishable words, a sign of brilliant production and musicianship at the very least. The jazzy influence of “Mbira in the Morass” recalls Frank Zappa&#8217;s incomparable knack to turn the most avant-garde of styles of compositions into something utterly fulfilling, using sporadic hi-hat percussion, unconventionally tuned keys, and an incoherent vocal accompaniment to create something that sounds foreign in the most memorable way possible. Also, it would be foolish of me to end this feature without mentioning “Still”. Another track named perfectly, it evolves from a single synthesizer and vocal accompaniment to what sounds like a full-blown orchestral of beautiful noise-pop. What is most remarkable here is how the initial components remain strong throughout the entire duration, flowing in a majestic manner to complement the growing sense of audible relief. It is simply another example of mastery on an album any of the band&#8217;s members could call a glowing accomplishment. Collaboration can be a complex maneuver in music, but Volcano Choir have crafted one of this year&#8217;s finest by involving all of its members in an equal and sophisticated manner.</p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/vchoir-isl.mp3" target="_self">Volcano Choir &#8211; Island, IS</a></span></strong><em><a href="http://killitkid.com/" target="_blank"><em> </em></a></em></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/vchoir-isl.mp3]
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<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/vchoir-and.mp3" target="_self">Volcano Choir &#8211; And Gather<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/vchoir-and.mp3]
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<p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://mineorecords.com/mp3/vchoir-mbi.mp3" target="_self">Volcano Choir &#8211; Mbira in the Morass<br />
</a></span></strong></p>
[audio:http://mineorecords.com/mp3/vchoir-mbi.mp3]
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p><a href="http://volcanochoir.com/" target="_blank"><em>Official Site</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.myspace.com/volcanochoir" target="_blank"> <em>MySpace</em></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HMCEF8?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=obscuresound-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002HMCEF8" target="_blank">BUY</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.obscuresound.com/2009/09/gather-the-volcano-choir/">Gather the Volcano Choir</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.obscuresound.com">Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog</a>.</p>
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