In spite what many people believe, Oz and I do not share the same brain. Every once in awhile one of us is more enamored with a particular act than the other. Mason Proper was one such band. From the onset, Oz was head over heels for Mason Proper and, while I dug a couple of tunes, Olly Oxen Free didn’t resonate with me. That all changed after seeing them in the studio.
Mason Proper is a band blessed with a top-notch front man in Jonathan Visger. He has a fabulous voice, both powerful and dynamic, and it fills a room on its own. Too many times bands make waste of great vocals by trying to cram too much instrumentation into the songs. That’s not the case with this Michigan band. They do a tremendous job working as one to create space and opportunities for Visger to shine.
And that’s why I love live music so much. It’s really a joy to watch bands work together, sans personal agenda, and create music that’s greater than the sum of its parts. I was only with them for a small period of time, but the band gives every impression that they are in this for the common cause and that there are no ego trips allowed. It is just five guys doing what is necessary to create some damned good tunes.
Oz mentioned in his review of Olly Oxen Free that the album opens with an amazing trifecta of tunes. Mason Proper delivered all three in the session: Point A to Point B, Lock and Key, and Fog. This is one of those bands that deserves a much wider audience. Here’s to hoping they find it.
Exclusive: Mason Proper – Point A To Point B
Exclusive: Mason Proper – Out Dragging The River
Exclusive: Mason Proper – Shiney
Exclusive: Mason Proper – Lock and Key
Download these tracks as a zip file.
Lead singer, Jonathon Visger also released a sole EP under the Bug Lung Baby moniker. Trilobit Trash is available to download for free over here.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been looking forward to hearing this one. Lock and Key and Fog sound incredible.
hi there!!!
…to me, olly oxen free one of the best records in 2008… number 3, in fact!
I really enjoyed the session and meeting the band. They were easy-going and loose, but music was tight. Great session.
One of my favorite albums of last year, without a doubt.
Amazing amazing amazing. Fog was my favorite track off Olly Oxen Free, but this session reminds me how great Out Dragging the River is. Thank you!
These guys have that “thing”about them. The tunes just have a really fresh perspective somehow. I can’t put my finger on it. Everyone I’ve played this session or Olly Oxen Free for, has totally dug the band and wanted to hear more.
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