Sometimes you don’t need hyperbole or over-analysis to sum up an album. This new album from Seth Swirsky, a 30-plus year veteran of MANY elements in the music industry,
Circles And Squares can be summed up in one word: exquisite. It’s that simple – considering the music is so detailed, intricate and complex. Imagine all the best elements of what you love in pop: Brian Wilson during that period from
Pet Sounds to
Sunflower; The Beatles from
Rubber Soul and
Revolver and most of Todd Rundgren from
Something/Anything to
Hermit Of Mink Hollow, plus everything by Emmit Rhodes for good measure. I know that’s one hell of a build-up and you’re probably thinking “no way, no how”. Well, it fucking is.
Just from the first piano bars of “Shine”, with the most perfect sound and arrangement – you know where it’s going and it’s only going to be more glorious; the title track is this wonderful, slightly quirky meld of Beatles and Beach Boys and the playing through the different movements of the song is beyond description – and it has to be noted that Mr. Swirsky played all the parts himself (save for one bass part and one horn part!) – if this is his
McCartney, then roll on! “Old Letter” is buoyant with its acoustic guitars – say Hollies meets Raspberries and layered tuanwhich makes the singing even warmer and personal and “Let’s Get Married” is one of the most charming pieces on the album with its quiet understatement and deft 12-string Ric riffage and orchestral arrangement on the instrumental break. “Trying To Keep It Simple” is (in my mind) that kind of rhythm you found in the ’60’s with the diminished and open chords of the ’70’s – his mastery of song structuring is astounding; “Sonic Ferris Wheel” reminds me of XTC – not surprisingly, the arrangement and wry lyrical content reeks of Andy Partridge (and that’s said with great admiration); “Table” is the highlight of side two (even though this is a CD – work with me) – opening with a shimmering 12-string Ric and kicking it with a classic acoustic rhythm and worthy of Top Ten status if singles were still the order of the day and “Abyss” is sad, quiet and has a Zombies-like feel, tempered by a cello. Heady, heady stuff.
I’ve been very fortunate in that I manage to hear/find so much incredible music to try and turn others on to after being turned on myself. But this one – this one is an absolute necessity. And there’s no point in my attempting to paint fancy word pictures about it. One listen will tell you all you need to know. Sixteen tracks and something familiar, beloved and yet different in each one, which makes it even more special.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – a must!(Rob Ross,popdose.com) Nothing more to say. Like i said earlier in other posts
this guy is a
complete artist and a gifted
musician. A pop genius in my opinion. Enjoy it and
have fun
SB1
Flac part1 &
Flac part2 -
mp3@320You can buy the album
here p.s.: I added the Flac files in the 'Watercolor Day' post from some days ago. Reader robgronotte send me the files yesterday. Thanks a lot for your contribution, robgronotte. It's much appreciated!!!
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