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Ben Monder: Excavation
Monder’s approach to music is often abstract, opting for mood over melody. His solo tracks remind me of Bill Frisell without the Americana. He sustains notes through a rhythmic dexterity and a ever patient pace. His solo take on “You Are My Sunshine” is Ry Cooder sparse, almost transforming the happy anthem to a blues. Bleckmann’s vocals, made up mostly of wordless hornlines, can be at times nearly chanting and at others a counter balance to Monder’s guitar lines. Bleckmann reminds one of Sting, but Sting with a good voice. The recording is wrapped around “Hatchet Face” with its almost long-play rock anthem qualities. Monder sheds his contemplative nature to shred a bit of guitar and exercise some demons. It’s not hard to follow Monder’s most creative lead.
Track List:Mistral; Luteous Pangolin; Ellenville; Bunny Manitoba; Hatchet Face; Etching; Windowpane; You Are My Sunshine
Track Listing
Mistral; Luteous Pangolin; Ellenville; Sunny Manitoba; Hatchet Face; Etching; Windowpane; You Are My Sunshine.
Personnel
Ben Monder
guitarBen Monder: guitar; Theo Bleckmann: voice; Skuli Sverrisson: electric bass; Jim Black: drums and percussion.
Album information
Title: Excavation | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records
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