Pere Ubu - Lady From Shanghai

I got this with some trepidation as I've absolutely hated their last couple of records and the extended, microscopic examination by DT during the recording process was simply annoying.

But this one is actually rather terrific. There's nothing on it as great as those early releases but there's lots of interesting textures and grooves and the production seems clearer than recent albums. DT is in fine form - a little less annoying than normal - and the synth stuff is just great.

The 1st track has a vocal line that apes/imitates "ring my bell" which I'm not sure is intentional (but how could it not be). It's the worst track in any case. But it all becomes excellently weird by the last track "The Carpenter Sun".

forget it, everyone's busy with Bowie now.

*forgets it*

"the extended, microscopic examination by DT during the recording process"

curious what you mean by this?

Also, who plays synth on the new one?

sample here, kinda dig it: https://soundcloud.com/firerecords/pere-ubu-414-seconds

"the extended, microscopic examination by DT during the recording process"

curious what you mean by this?

Also, who plays synth on the new one?

during the recording phase there were numerous posts by DT about the process and a lot of demos made available. they deadened me to actually liking the damn thing. luckily the results are really good. he has a paperback "chinese whispers" available about the recording process but it is dire twaddle.

synths by wheeler, DT and this new person gagarin-

Band:
David Thomas - vocals, piano, xiosynth, Korg iMS-20, Monotron, Roland 303, organ
Keith Moliné - guitar, bass
Robert Wheeler - EML synthesizer, Grendel Drone Commander, Korg iMS-20, SNM Cacophonator II
Gagarin - digital electronica, piano, organ
Michele Temple - bass, guitar, bells
Steve Mehlman - drums, vocals, organ
Darryl Boon - clarinet

Nice to hear it's good from a reliable source. 'Surf's Up!' is one of my favorite albums of the 00s, but I haven't listened in recent years.

Can it even be debated that post-punk-era musicians kept sharp more than any other pop-music generation? Which seems entirely fitting--probably the least youth-dependent sound in pop thus far.

I really liked their 'long live Pere Ubu' album, so I'm excited about this one.

I was really happy to be able to catch the tour for St Arkansas. They were at their most Modern Dance -esque. Tom Herman was briefly back on guitar and I got to tell him how much I loved Tripod Jimmie. Their synthesist for that tour was amazing to watch, frantically plugging and unplugging patch cords. Can't remember if that was Wheeler.

Gagarin is the solo incarnation of Graham “ Dids “ Dowdall - percussionist, composer and sound designer. He makes atmospheric and moody electronica inspired by landscape, environment, urban noisescapes, grooves and a wide range of musical influences.

more here

i'm really liking this album, mainly listening to the second half right now - Musicians are Scum (TIME! TIME!) and 414 Seconds (that bit where you're running for the bus David, reckon that's probably a dream rather than you just dreaming it's a dream tbh). The vocals are quite phatic, almost a beat in themselves, even the longer phrasing/periods of Mandy, say. It doesn't feel as discursive as St Arkansas or Why I Hate Women (both of which I liked v much as well).

This definitely feels more disturbing. I like that the songs are both intricate and miasmal (I guess that miasma is just a function of blues/swamp riffs + theremin/synths). Saw him down in Brighton suburbia, in the front room of a 'healing house', with about 30 others, doing stuff with the Two Pale Boys. That was also excellent, tho I almost carked it halfway through due to being extremely run down, and had to leave before the end. possibly someone there could have helped me with some arrowroot or something in retrospect.

Has this got anything to do w/the film?

nothing whatsoever.

wow this is great

v well shot/recorded love set here:

http://culturebox.francetvinfo.fr/sons-dhiver-2014-pere-ubu-147937