August 2009

I’m coming off of three days of rather mainstream music at Chicago’s Grant Park for Lollapalooza.‚  Despite the sweltering heat, it was and always seems to be, a rather enjoyable event with good music.‚  Regardless, it felt all good to put on something a little weird this week and it came courtesy of a solid new release from Nurses and their album Apple’s Acre on Dead Oceans.‚  I think the best way to describe this album is “quirky.” And in all aspects – from the vocals, to the arrangements, to the percussion, to the interesting little sound effects that sometimes bridge these tracks.‚  I have to believe that the Portland trio are big fans of Brian Wilson and the Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys.

Vocals are supplied largely by the expansive range of Aaron Chapman’s voice which on certain songs is better characterized as melodic chanting than actual singing.‚  There is ample vocal harmonizing, some of which is supplied through multiple tracks of just Chapman.‚  The percussion is also a little off-kilter and rarely provided by standard kits. Rhythm is certainly emphasized, however it comes from varied sources including finger snaps, handclaps, drum machines and some good ole fashioned guitar and tambourine slaps.‚  Speaking of guitars, it’s generally the acoustic variety and is woven in and out of these songs, sometimes the center of attention but often pared with the piano.‚  And no doubt, piano is the instrument of choice.‚  The best description of the piano on some of these songs is something like the old silent movie soundtracks ala Chaplin and Keaton”seriously.‚  But like a great collage, it all blends together quite nicely.

One of the more interesting songs on this record is “Big Ideas,” the sixth track.‚  What catches your attention is the pairing of drum machine percussion and a church organ that creates a dichotomy that is both grandiose and cheesy, but also damn good.‚  An organ is also prominent on “Lita,” only this time it emits a sound that is a perfect match for something you would hear at a funeral home.‚  And finally, there are those unique little sound effects that show up throughout these songs.‚  I would bet that there’s an entire track on “Orange Cymbals” that is recorded around the house using door hinges, floorboard creeks, etc.

Yeah, it’s weird but it’s really interesting and very good.‚  The band is beginning to garner some attention as Apple’s Acre was the most added song among college radio stations reporting to CMJ last week.‚  Oh, and even Stephen Malkmus has given his “thumbs up” to the band.‚  Nurses are going to be performing in Chicago tomorrow night, August 29, at Subterranean w/ Throw Me The Statue and The Brunettes.

MySpace | Dead Oceans

Nurses – Caterpillar Playground

Nurses – Technicolor

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