Are you living in a Gangsta's paradise, maybe in California, or maybe you're from the intergalactic? If everything smells like teen spirit, or you're simply at the cross roads, then maybe you belong here. Post your favorite tunes from the 90's here.
2003
Songs:Ohia-Magnolia Electric Co.
Songs:Ohia is the creation of multi-instrumentalist Jason Molina who used rotating session musicians throughout the band’s history. This album marked a change in direction for him as he recorded all the songs live in the studio with the band that appeared on his previous album Didn’t It Rain and also from his touring band. The album was produced by the late Steve Albini. Which surprised me at first but I can see his influence all over this record. There is some discussion if this is the last Songs:Ohia album or the debut album or the Magnolia Electric Co. Molina would go by that band name soon after this album’s release.
The album opens with “Farewell Transmission”” which is this fuzzy seven minute 70’s inspired track. This whole album gives me Neil Young & Crazy Horse vibes. “I’ve Been Riding With The Ghost” has Molina's voice sounding eerily like Young. The haunting backing vocals add some texture to the track. It's another nice fuzzy sounding track. “Just Be Simple” has a sturdy country rock groove. It sprawls all over the place. It feels like it is yearning for something or someone. “Almost Was Good Enough” has this nice thick dense sound. I don’t want to repeat myself but it has a very 70’s heavy rock sound. “The Old Black Hen” is a throwback to the golden era of Country music. Band member Lawerence Peters handles the vocals who has this deep heavy twang that adds to the sound. . English Vocalist Scout Niblett handles the vocals on “Peoria Lunch Box Blues. Which is the nice change of pace for the record. Sonically it has this heavy dense fuzzy sound reminiscent of Cortez The Killer. “John Henry Split My Heart” is another heavy dense track. I just love the sound of this record so much. The album closes with “Hold On Magnolia” an 8 minute lush country tinged rock song. Molina’s voice has such sadness to it. The band adds to that sound by delivering this subtle minimalist alt-country groove.
This is my first time listening to a Jason Molina project and I am so impressed with the sound. This is a mus on anyone’s bucket lists especially if you are looking for some 70’s styled heartland rock with some fuzzy guitar tones. I am definitely going to check more of his projects out and so should you.
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