Finding distribution on the Residents' Ralph Records label, the Art Bears' second album consists of 12 songs of various tensions: rest vs. speed, improv vs. pulse, space vs. density, Dagmar Kraus's vocals vs. everyone else. As usual, Chris Cutler's lyrics tell political allegories through medieval-tinged stories: slaves, castles, and wheels of fortune (and industry) dominate. Fred Frith explores discordance through his guitar, and European folk figures through his always enjoyable violin.
Though not as confrontational as their other work, the centerpiece has to be the frantic "Rats and Monkeys" with three minutes of teeth-gritting, out-of-control insanity as all three players are plugged into a wall outlet and let rip. A guaranteed lease breaker if played often enough.
Tracklist:
| A1 | The Bath Of Stars | |
| A2 | First Things First | |
| A3 | Gold | |
| A4 | The Summer Wheel | |
| A5 | The Slave | |
| A6 | The Hermit | |
| A7 | Rats And Monkeys | |
| B1 | The Skeleton | |
| B2 | The Winter Wheel | |
| B3 | Man And Boy | |
| B4 | Winter / War | |
| B5 | Force | |
| B6 | 3 Figures | |
| B7 | 3 Wheels |
Art Bears - Winter Songs
(320 kbps, cover art included)
oh god YES!
AntwortenLöschenAn unusual album to be featured in July......
AntwortenLöschenthank you, i'm looking forward to hearing frith again & this album/band. -a.v.
AntwortenLöschenNow, here in February, with snow, sleet, freezing rain and cold, the perfect soundtrack! That said, a brilliant album any time of year!
AntwortenLöschenI have not heard this album in years. Many thanks!!!!!
AntwortenLöschenBrian
Well said, rev.b!
AntwortenLöschenAnd thanks for your feedback, Brian!