Wow! I'm loving this little EP right now. Part of me just wants to say "Check it out" without giving the usual comparison to thirty different artists in order to peak your interest. I could say something like, "Imagine Neko Case taking a trip down the Mississippi River on a paddle-bound steamboat. And, also take comfort in the fact that Bill Reynolds (from Band of Horses) is the steamboat captain of the ship (which is to say that he is the producer of the EP)." But, I won't say any of that... I'll just say: Check it out, I hope you enjoy...
Oh, and thanks to 'Lil Trucker for introducing me to Lissie... good stuff.
Being familiar with great crossover-tribute bands such as Hayseed Dixie and The Gourds (though these bands write original music as well), I've learned to expect excellence in the entertainment department. However, my recent discovery of Iron Horse's tribute to Modest Mouse has definitely raised the bar for both entertainment and overall talent in this "genre".
This group of middle-aged bluegrassers have managed to soften-up the beautifully cacophonous sound Modest Mouse is known for as well as lyrically lighten-up their often dark content. Upon close inspection, Iron Horse achieved this simply by rewording the ubiquitous F-bombs, GDs, and various other unholyness. What is impressive is that they pull this off seamlessly. On the other hand, it should be noted that there are common Modest Mouse themes that resonate well with bluegrass music (i.e. "drink away the part of the day that I cannot sleep away" as heard in Polar Opposites).
The fact these songs translate so well is itself an homage to the great talent of Modest Mouse. Making lyrics like "two one-eyed dogs there looking at stereos, Hi-fi gods try so hard to make their cars low to the ground " (again, Polar Opposites) sound so effortless and meaningful in any musical style is impressive.
Pulling songs from three Modest Mouse albums, Iron Horse clearly did their homework. The arrangements make since, both individually and as a compilation. If you fall into the camp that believes the greatest sound a banjo can make is falling into the bottom of a dumpster, then you’ll hate this tribute. However, if you’re open minded, appreciate great talent, whimsy and unique interpretation, you’re sure to enjoy all 10 tracks... though I'm sure tracks 1 and 4 will garner your immediate attention.
I feel I must apologize for subjecting eyes and ears to the Drake music video. My excitement got the best of me! Especially considering I probably won't even go to Rites of Spring...
To make up for it, here is my winter 2010 jam:
Washed Out - New Thoery
If any of you are like me, you skimmed right over Washed Out during last year's "glo-fi" insurgence. Neon Indian, Toro y Moi, Delorean, Washed Out.... blah blah blah.
But then I heard "New Thoery" months later, in my cold, cold car and I was like, "Okay!"
Washed Out is a guy named Ernest from Georgia who sits in his parents' basement (probably) and makes pretty music that I liked while driving in my cold, cold car. Thanks Ernest!
great, more animal-related titles. at this point, i don't care. i just downloaded this album over the weekend. it's been on repeat ever since. the comparisons to fleet foxes, grizzly bear and the arcade fire are inevitable, but for those of you who rolled your eyes when i just listed those three bands, don't call them derivative.
i hope you enjoy the album as much as i have. i think this is one that will play well over time.
If John Denver, Cat Stevens, Paul Simon, Rudy Gatlin and all of Elton John's background singers got together and had a child it would be one freak-nasty, five-eyed, foamy-mouthed, forearm growing out of the back of his head monster... but, that monster would make some really sweet music and it would sound something like Bonnie "Prince" Billy's Beware. I've been listening to this album on repeat for the past handful of weeks and loving it. There is certainly that 70's approach to the instrumentation, as well as the backing vocals (which I love)... but, there is also just some really great music on here. If you're not afraid of the folky-er, country-er side of things then definitely check this album out.
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