What's one of those albums that you always have around? One of those "go to" albums that never lets you down. There aren't many that have such a strong gravitational pull, but I'm going to share one of my favorites. Musée Mécanique's Hold This Ghost is one of those records that I can never take off my iPhone because I know I'm going to want to hear it very very soon.
Musée Mécanique hail from Portland, Oregon. They're named after a historic penny arcade in San Francisco. They've toured with Beach House, Laura Gibson, Iron & Wine, and M. Ward, and have been featured on an NPR All Songs Considered episode. Pretty good resume.
Here's a crash course of their late 2008 album: Hold This Ghost is melancholic to say the least. Rabwin's voice is intimate and elegant. Underneath, subtle electronics create a lush backdrop. Hovering over the bells and synth are various orchestral instruments. This five-piece group loves their strings and woodwinds. One of the most noticeable parts about this album is how meticulous it is, there are a lot of overlooked details to the point that I hear something new every time I listen. This album is also very organic; you can hear fingers open and close valves and fingers slide along guitar strings.
When Hold This Ghost released in 2008, it wasn't as praised as I would have expected. It was given modest ratings. I disagree. I think this is one of the most wonderful pieces of folk-pop around. A second record is due in the Fall of 2011.
Verdict: 4.7/5. Favorite songs: Like Home (live video), Two Friends Like Us (the real song), The Things That I Know, Fits and Starts, Somehow Bound, and Our Changing Skins (the real song).
Best, Jonathan
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