Each month I will review an old favorite from my collection and a new one that has caught my ear. Give a listen!
"Automatic For The People" - R.E.M. (released 1992)
The plan was for this quartet from Athens, GA to follow up their multi-platinum "Out of Time" album with a collection of hard rockers...but it didn't happen. As Peter Buck (guitars, mandolin) Mike Mills (bass, accordion, keyboards) Bill Berry (percussion) and Michael Stipe (vocals) crafted a new album the themes of death, loss and mourning kept cropping up (hardly the grist for a big rock album). As a result "Automatic for the People" took on a dark reflective tone highlighted by the most emotionally evocative songs of their career (with a few upbeat numbers wedged in for relief). Less guitar and drums plus a more liberal use of accordion, piano, organ and strings lend a rich depth to the music and it's stark themes. The record opens with the appropriately moody "Drive" and contemplative chanty of "Try Not to Breathe". "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite" is pushed by an organ on it's way to a joyous chorus. "Everyone Hurts" is a swelling ballad reaching for the hand of anyone losing life's battles ("you're not alone") and "Sweetness Follows" promises reward after the sadness of loss (heavy stuff but all beautifully written and arranged). "Ignoreland" is a rocking political screed (always relevant) with a punchy chorus. The Andy Kaufman tribute "Man on the Moon" is a standout! Percolating verses lead to Stipe's Elvis impression, into a wonderfully addictive chorus and Buck's keening slide guitar is perfection! "Nightswimming" is a nostalgia-soaked stunner pushed along by a beautiful piano figure played by Mills. The closer "Find the River" features another gorgeous melody tastefully accompanied by Bill Berry on melodica. The song also highlights R.E.M.s secret weapon...the backing vocals of Mike Mills. R.E.M. is a band that has evolved greatly over the years from the early loose, mumbling, jangly college darlings (first 5 albums) to the tight, clear, polished rock stars of today (last 10 albums). I love both eras and have never been disappointed by any of their releases.
"Wooden Head" - The Proper Ornaments (released 2014)
A thoroughly enjoyable debut album from a pair of guitarist/songwriter/singers who take their name from an obscure New York pop band (Free Design) song from 1967. Englishman James Hoare (Veronica Falls, Ultimate Painting) and Argentinian Max Clapp combine their similar talents and influences to produce 14 songs of psych-tinged melodic pop. It's easy to get lost in the hushed vocals and melancholy guitar figures which echo the dreamy drone of The Velvet Underground and the paisley underground scene of the 80s. Accompanied by Daniel Nellis (bass) and Robert Syme (drums) the guitars and voices compliment each other beautifully. Most of the tracks clock in at about three minutes so there are no wasted moments here. Some of the many highlights include the murky chug of the opener "Gone" and the floating bliss of "Sun". "Ruby" is a pretty, baroque acoustic tune that wouldn't sound out of place on a 60s Nuggets collection. "Now I Understand" grabs you instantly with a hypnotic riff and pulls you into some nice vocal harmonies. "Step Into the Cold" is a driving song and the most rocking track on the record. The slippery guitar shine of "Always There" is a nice contrast to the psychedelic edge of "You Shouldn't Have Gone" which resolves itself in a haunting guitar solo. "Magazine" (titled after the late 70s post punk band) and "Stereolab" (a dreamy pop band from the 90s) show these guys wearing their influences on their sleeves but in the end it just doesn't matter as they do such a marvelous job inhabiting these songs, each one sparkling like a star in the winter sky.
