A Varied Collection Of Folk
When you first find out the album you are about to listen to is full of folk style tunes, well, for an avid listener of rock and indie music it's not impressive and expectations are not good. After giving the album the once over, you may be pleasantly surprised by the content on the album. 'Thrifty, Brave & Clean Volume 1' is the first label sampler from Boy Scout Recordings. This introductory compilation from Tim Love's new label represents a return to some talented musicians creating exciting music.
The album consists some very different elements; English and American artists; instrumental tracks; upbeat and slow tunes; so there is something for whatever mood you're in. To begin there is female vocalist Dawn Landres. This singer, songwriter and instrumentalist experiments with alt-folk lyricism, and uses a variety of instruments from the basic guitar to interesting and quite unusual instruments such as accordions and glockenspiels. Where folk music is concerned, style and instruments play an integral necessity. Red Cassette performs using number of instruments; banjo, guitar (acoustic/electric/bass), keys, glockenspiel, drums and percussion. The Rural Seranaders bring an old gramophone style sound to their tracks track with hazy female vocals which make the tune sound as if its belongs back in the early 1920's or so. Sargasso Trio are able to prove as well as being talented songwriters, they sure can play; guitars, drums, keyboards, samples of saucepans, bottles or customised rhythm shoes are blending with beautifully vocal harmonies.
Other artists experiment with more natural environmental sounds. Joe Richardson and Patrick and Eugene use what sounds like nature calls, followed by what could be interpreted as snake charming developing into tribe drumming are later all combined to create an interesting little number while Matt Lutz and Mossyrock experiment with full instrumentals with some sharp and twinkling guitars.
Many of the tracks will fill your head of visions and interpretations of the lyrics and sounds blended in each tune. The fast paced vocals of Turner Cody on 'Hey Jim,' with the accent gives visions of line dancing, and bopping you r head in a barn dance. That may be a stereotypical thought, but an honest one.
The sound created in 'Picture Show' is quite pleasant, much of the time. When the track speeds up to the more alt part of the alt-folk, the pleasing sound and attractiveness that surrounded this track is lost, and it tunes into another band trying to put their foot in something they cannot handle. Red Cassette on the other hand reminds people that it doesn't have to be in the "popular" genre to be a good track, just listen to 'Thin King Twice.' You've seen the film; you know the lyrics, now just learn the tune and feel free to join in with 'Over the Rainbow' – the finale on the album.
'Thrifty Brave and Clean' is a record to introduce new fans to the genre and the type of album you could curl up with and relax to. Definitely an album to give a listen to.