Gregory Robson
04/12/10, 12:46 PM
Adam Green - Musik for a Play
Record Label: Contraphonic
Release Date: May 11, 2010
Adam Green's latest disc, Musik for a Play, was written to accompany a theatrical production of Paul Auster's novel Timbuktu. With that as a jumping off point, it makes sense that the instrumental album is so undeniably quirky. Equal parts jazz, vaudeville and Latin, Musik for a Play is charming and summery, if not a little left-of-center. But isn't everything with Green that way?
Undeniably whimsical and free-floating, the disc effortlessly glides from one jaunty romp to the next. The opening triumvirate of "Gallop," "Sailor Shirts," and "Big Lips," is crisp, gnomic and effervescent. Equally as inspired is "Lazy Dog," which begins with a reedy recorder intro before swirling concentrically into an exercise that feels akin to the wavering shadow of a circus clown. For something completely different, the jazzy "Ellington" bounces and kicks with zest and efficiency, as its aided by an indelible piano line.
A hissing organ trumps the start of "Laserz," while "Sticky Ricky," sounds eerily reminiscent of the Pink Panther theme song. And so it goes for the course of nine, ephemeral tracks. As if to prolong the mood a little longer, demo versions of "Big Lips," "Sailor" and "Gallop" appear towards the end and their placement feels almost perfect. Whereas most demo offerings feel tacked on and superfluous, these three manage to feel cohesive and integral.
If anything, Musik for a Play reaffirms the notion that Green is assuredly one of contemporary music's most unexpected and refreshing pop purveyors.
1. Gallop
2. Sailor Shirts
3. Big Lips
4. Lazy Dog
5. Twins
6. Ellington
7. Laserz
8. Sticky Ricky
9. Ron Asheton
10. Big Lips (demo)
11. Sailor (demo)
12. Gallop (demo)
Balun, Ringling Brothers, Latin jazz, toy guitar
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/adamgreen1)
Website (http://www.adamgreen.net)
Record Label: Contraphonic
Release Date: May 11, 2010
Adam Green's latest disc, Musik for a Play, was written to accompany a theatrical production of Paul Auster's novel Timbuktu. With that as a jumping off point, it makes sense that the instrumental album is so undeniably quirky. Equal parts jazz, vaudeville and Latin, Musik for a Play is charming and summery, if not a little left-of-center. But isn't everything with Green that way?
Undeniably whimsical and free-floating, the disc effortlessly glides from one jaunty romp to the next. The opening triumvirate of "Gallop," "Sailor Shirts," and "Big Lips," is crisp, gnomic and effervescent. Equally as inspired is "Lazy Dog," which begins with a reedy recorder intro before swirling concentrically into an exercise that feels akin to the wavering shadow of a circus clown. For something completely different, the jazzy "Ellington" bounces and kicks with zest and efficiency, as its aided by an indelible piano line.
A hissing organ trumps the start of "Laserz," while "Sticky Ricky," sounds eerily reminiscent of the Pink Panther theme song. And so it goes for the course of nine, ephemeral tracks. As if to prolong the mood a little longer, demo versions of "Big Lips," "Sailor" and "Gallop" appear towards the end and their placement feels almost perfect. Whereas most demo offerings feel tacked on and superfluous, these three manage to feel cohesive and integral.
If anything, Musik for a Play reaffirms the notion that Green is assuredly one of contemporary music's most unexpected and refreshing pop purveyors.
1. Gallop
2. Sailor Shirts
3. Big Lips
4. Lazy Dog
5. Twins
6. Ellington
7. Laserz
8. Sticky Ricky
9. Ron Asheton
10. Big Lips (demo)
11. Sailor (demo)
12. Gallop (demo)
Balun, Ringling Brothers, Latin jazz, toy guitar
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/adamgreen1)
Website (http://www.adamgreen.net)