The beauty in music is that you can find something so different from your usual taste and get swept up in it. It may be a complete stranger to you at the start of the day, and come nightfall it is the soundtrack of your summer. This is what Sufjan Steven’s masterpiece “Illinois” did for me back in 2005. I never had ventured into any type of folk at all, at the time British rock was the only thing that mattered to me. However once I heard the beauty of “Chicago” I fell in love with it and wanted to find more.
This is what I have discovered upon listening to The Great Northwest’s debut album “The Widespread Reign Of The Great Northwest.” This is the creation of Brian Coates who used to bestudio engineer and producer for the Dandy Warhols. He devloped the band with no set lineup, having various players join. One of which is the Dandy Warhols very own. (Peter Holmstrom)
Listening to the album you really aren’t surprised it came out of Oregon. There is no better way to describe the album than their label did for them. “Lush soundscapes and ambient modulations. ” These songs sound so nice and comforting that you just want to take a walk outdoors during the summer, and sit by the fire till morning. This album isn’t one that you judge from one listen. Coastes crafted many beautiful sounds upon sounds that make the album worthy of multiple listens.The vocals are very low but fit the mood perfectly. What else could you possible have guiding you through these haunting melodies? The songs stay in your head over time, and you won’t want them to leave.
All you Dandy Warhol fans could enjoy this, but I for one don’t listen to them that much and enjoyed this a lot. This is a wonderful record that deserves a chance from everyone. There is a lot that you can get out of it. The Great Northwest have made one of the better albums of 2008, and it should claim a spot somewhere in best of 2008 list. (MP3 of Chief John below)
Tracks I Recommend:
1. Split
2. Be Coming
3.Chief John
4. Know What I Mean
5. The Key
The Great Northwest – Chief John (MP3)
The Widespread Reign Of The Great Northwest was released on The Kora Records on 7/29. Purchase it here or on itunes.
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