Reviewed by Jeff Johnson
Everyone likes rainy days, the perfect time to lie in bed past noon or perhaps curl up on the couch with a good book. I, personally like to listen to music that enhances the storm, an album that is warm and soothing despite the conditions on the other side of the windowpane. My favorite album on such a day is Ugly Casanova’s “Sharpen Your Teeth,” released in 2002 on Sub Pop Records.
The band is a side project for Isaac Brock, frontman for the indie rock group, Modest Mouse. The rest of the band consists of Tim Rutili (Califone and Red Red Meat), Pall Jenkins (The Blackheart Procession), John Orth (Holopaw) and Brian Deck.
The album has 13 obscure and almost dreamy songs that kick off with the eerie intro to the first song, Barnacles, a nice acoustic tune with ghostly harmonies. Brock’s vocals offer simple yet meaningful lyrics like “I don’t know me and you don’t know you, so we fit so good together, cuz I knew ya like I knew myself.”
The second track, Spilled Milk Factory, makes me think of a chain gang, or maybe a ship’s crew rowing over the multiple layers of chanted lyrics.
Parasites, filled with horns and all sorts of fun effects is the only song that would be considered upbeat, and really lifts the emotion for a couple of minutes.
Hatcha Girls, the next track, is the most sincere, beautiful song on the album, and easily one of my favorites of all time. Next is the trippy No Song, followed by Diamonds on the Face of Evil, which may take a few listens but definitely will get in your head.
Ice on the Sheets showcases Brock at his most metaphoric. But despite the imagery, you still know exactly what he is talking about and how he feels. Smoke like Ribbons is a dreamy, almost campfire song that somehow signifies that the album will shortly be coming to an end. Unfortunately, it soon does with two songs that work almost as one; Things I Don’t Remember, and So Long To The Holidays. The finale lifts you up too, like the song itself, you just sort of float away. So long.
I recommend this album to anyone who feels the same way I do, that wants music that challenges you to think creatively and artistically.
Jeff Johnson, 24, originally from Trenton, Mo. plays bass for local progressive rock group The WayStation. Check them out at myspace.com/thewaystation.
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