admin
22 December 2023
The story behind how I got the Madison-based Moorebeck Stellar\'s new CD, Down-Tight/In Bloom, made me dread listening to it.
One of my staff writers, Jeremy Scott, handed it to me: \"Here. My neighbor knows I work for the magazine, and he said this is his friend\'s band. He said it would be cool if you review it or something.\"
Oh, fuck. Nothing against that kid or his friend, but everyone has a friend in a band. And, more often than not, that friend\'s band is either shitty pop-punk or horrible indie rock. Shaking with fear, I put it into my CD player.
I couldn\'t believe my fucking ears.
I immediately went over to Jeremy\'s neighbor\'s house to make sure this CD really was made by a friend of his. And, amazingly, it is.
Moorebeck Stellar is comprised of just Elliott Kozel and Andrew Jansen. Two guys. That\'s it. They played or sampled every boom, bap, and blip you hear on the album, and are masters of their craft. Down-Tight/In Bloom is not only a good CD, but also one of my top ten picks for best album of 2004.
It\'s an ethereal blend of beats and samples, and throws in some not-so-conventional instruments-- like a vacuum and bubbles-- for good measure. The sound is sexy and soothing; reminiscent of Air in places, and Luke Vibert in others. Throw in some Middle Eastern themes (\"Soundless Watermelon\") and some Ray Manzarek-esque Wurlitzer organ playing (\"Elevator [Suddenly] Takes Flight\"), and you\'ve got one of the most sultry and soulful albums this year.
Seriously, this disc is worth it for the fifth track alone. A dreamy, cushy tune, \"Prophets Over People\" sucks the listener into a field of guitar strums and drum claps. And just when you think it\'s over, it starts back up again. Fucking pure dream state bliss.
So if you\'re looking for the new shit that\'s breaking ground and changing the world of music, look toward Moorebeck Stellar. Or just ask your neighbor if they have any friends that are in a band. Because, apparently, that tried and true belief is now officially shattered.
One of my staff writers, Jeremy Scott, handed it to me: \"Here. My neighbor knows I work for the magazine, and he said this is his friend\'s band. He said it would be cool if you review it or something.\"
Oh, fuck. Nothing against that kid or his friend, but everyone has a friend in a band. And, more often than not, that friend\'s band is either shitty pop-punk or horrible indie rock. Shaking with fear, I put it into my CD player.
I couldn\'t believe my fucking ears.
I immediately went over to Jeremy\'s neighbor\'s house to make sure this CD really was made by a friend of his. And, amazingly, it is.
Moorebeck Stellar is comprised of just Elliott Kozel and Andrew Jansen. Two guys. That\'s it. They played or sampled every boom, bap, and blip you hear on the album, and are masters of their craft. Down-Tight/In Bloom is not only a good CD, but also one of my top ten picks for best album of 2004.
It\'s an ethereal blend of beats and samples, and throws in some not-so-conventional instruments-- like a vacuum and bubbles-- for good measure. The sound is sexy and soothing; reminiscent of Air in places, and Luke Vibert in others. Throw in some Middle Eastern themes (\"Soundless Watermelon\") and some Ray Manzarek-esque Wurlitzer organ playing (\"Elevator [Suddenly] Takes Flight\"), and you\'ve got one of the most sultry and soulful albums this year.
Seriously, this disc is worth it for the fifth track alone. A dreamy, cushy tune, \"Prophets Over People\" sucks the listener into a field of guitar strums and drum claps. And just when you think it\'s over, it starts back up again. Fucking pure dream state bliss.
So if you\'re looking for the new shit that\'s breaking ground and changing the world of music, look toward Moorebeck Stellar. Or just ask your neighbor if they have any friends that are in a band. Because, apparently, that tried and true belief is now officially shattered.
artid
2934
Old Image
7_5_moorebeckstellar.jpg
issue
vol 7 - issue 05 (jan 2005)
section
entertainmental