I Can Hear Music

長年廃盤状態だったYo La TengoのベーシストJames McNewの1995年リリースの2ndソロ・アルバム(オリジナルはオランダのBrinkman Recordsから)がMorr Musicから再発! 当時、アメリカのミュージック・シーンを席巻したグランジやオルタナティヴ・ロックからローファイ・ミュージックが隆盛していくなかで発表されたローファイの隠れた名盤。Fish & Roses、The Fugs、Bob Dylan、Ultravox、Ronnettes、The Bonzo Dog Band、Mayo Tompson、Half Japaneseのカヴァーも収録されています。今回の再発にあたり、ShellacのBob Westonがリマスタリングしています。ボーナストラックを含む2枚組全32曲約112分収録。

Yo La Tengo bassist James McNew's second full-length release as Dump plays up the lo-fi elements of his one-man-band recordings a bit (the catchy opener "Slow Down" suffers from deliberate distortion and tape glitches), but it's overall a bit poppier and less experimental than either the full-length Superpowerless or the EP International Airport. As on all Dump records, the arrangements are heavy on the weedy little synths and inexpensive drum machines, which only adds to the homemade charm. Along with 15 McNew originals in varied styles, with the sublime "Liberty Spikes" a particular standout, I Can Hear Music continues Dump's predilection for obscure and fascinating covers. This time out, the choices are a straightforward and lovely version of the Fugs' "Morning Morning" (with backing vocals by Peggy Castagnes); an oddly bouncy take on Bob Dylan's "Wanted Man"; his Hoboken neighbors Fish and Roses' "The Letter"; and, best of all, a stately version of Ultravox's "Vienna" that strips all the production gloss off the original to get at the achingly pretty melody. [The 2013 reissue of the album includes the nine song disc that was included as an extra with the original first pressing of the album. The songs are mainly instrumentals and not essential listening, but fun all the same. Best of the lot is McNew's wonderful cover of the Beach Boys' cover of the girl group classic "I Can Hear Music." This set also includes a live version of "Swimming Pool" as a bonus.] ~ Stewart Mason|