Labels: Garbage Czar
Review by: Andy Malcolm
THIS IS BRILLIANT! Get this record, I love it to bits and I have hardly listened to it yet. Two different bands, doing different things, but both great in their own little ways.
One AM Radio is a chap called Hrishikesh Hirway and he plays an acoustic guitar and sings so wonderfully. He sounds like Sodastream crossed with July – that is just how good this is. I know that is an obscure comparison, but if you haven’t heard the July song on the Jeromes Dream [curiously, One AM also has shared some vinyl with JD] split then try and correct this injustice, you won’t regret it. “Ohm’s Law” is stunningly beautiful, and “Ninenty-Nine, One Hundred” similarily so. Swoonsome, I am back in Australia. The way the guitars build up at the end of the 2nd track are just immensely emo. This record has destructive powers, I will be careful how and when I play it, under the wrong circumstances it could lead to bad things. *shudder*
Ted Leo / Pharmacists are very different. “The Latest Dart” is garagey indie rock that is incredibly danceable and catchy, it sounds like the Who and the Kinks and like it was recorded in the late 60’s. For a more modern reference, this sounds like the earlier stuff the Hidden Chord did before they mellowed out a bit too much for my liking. I think they do a Lungfish cover here, either that or they have a song called “To Whom You Were Born (Lungfish)”. It’s different, but still very 60’s. Very hippie trippy, like dudes sitting in a haze with long hair and just strumming and singing a song.
The insert says this was recorded in 1999. Thank goodness they finally got round to putting it out (or it may be a re-release!). Whatever, just find it. And if you know where I can get any more One AM Radio, please yell.