Music

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• October 15, 2008
• Reviews

10/15/08

Benoit Pioulard—Temper

Of Montreal—Skeletal Lamping Anyone wondering what glam rock sounds like in 2008 should look no further than Of Montreal's latest gem. Combining elements of disco dance music with baroque classic pop songs, the group hits on a sound that is entirely their own. Onstage, their over-the-top cross-dressing persona lends itself to the post-millenial, post-gender dance party vibe. Most importantly, this album conveys a neverending sense of fun, which is sorely missing in so much music these days.

Arthur Russell—Love Is Overtaking Me Arthur Russell was a major figure in New York's 70's musical avant-garde, from new composition to weirdo disco played at the Paradise Garage. Before succumbing to AIDS in 1992, Russell released one of the most flooringly beautiful albums ever created, "World of Echo." Over the past few years, his entire oeuvre has been reissued, reanalyzed, and finally appreciated by a larger audience. This album is only the latest reissue of his work, focusing on his folk and pop songs. The fact that it sounds nothing like his other work but is still wonderfully brilliant is a testament to how great an artist Arthur Russell is.

Benoit Pioulard—Temper Don't let the French pseudonym fool you—Benoit Pioulard is actually Portland-based singer Thomas Meluch. He sings soft-voiced songs accompanying himself on fingerpicked acoustic guitar. In this respect he is similar to many artists. However, the sound of Temper is defined by the way that found sounds, field recordings, and the voice and guitar themselves are manipulated to make a dreamy and shapeshifting haze of sound. By softening the edges of his songs this way, the most beatific and basic noises come to the fore, as atmosphere is emphasized and specifics become less important.

Don't let the French pseudonym fool you—Benoit Pioulard is actually Portland-based singer Thomas Meluch. He sings soft-voiced songs accompanying himself on fingerpicked acoustic guitar. In this respect he is similar to many artists...