Search - Microphones :: The Glow, Pt. II

Another masterpiece from Phil Elvrum

Craig Clarke | New England | 08/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has been described as a low-fi (meaning nothing computerized was used) masterpiece, and I agree, having had the opportunity to listen to it numerous times since the day it arrived in the mail. It's definitely a concept album and all the songs flow together wonderfully. Also, it's terrific with headphones. The sonic depth is amazing. It sometimes feels as if the music enters through your ears and swims around inside you for a while, not quite able to escape. Elvrum is not afraid of experimentation, either. Each song has its own distinctive sound. The dual acoustic-guitar sound at the front of "The Moon" has to be heard to be believed. (For the origin of that sound, listen to "The Pull"--available here for download--as well.) And his creativity will always surprise you. What seems at first like noise, after a few listens unfolds itself like a blooming bud to show you all its layers. You then come to appreciate the imagination--one would almost say "genius"--involved in this recording. But even such a personal record cannot be done alone--not and remain faithful to its analog roots. Several of Elvrum's friends (mostly other K recording artists) stop by to help out. Most noticeable is the angelic voice of Mirah on a couple of tracks. I have become a Mirah fan--particularly "Cold Cold Water"--through my research on this album. I have, in fact, become rather more well-versed than I had expected in the music coming out of Olympia, Washington, the home of K (and the state capital, in case you didn't know.) Sort of an Easter Egg: Make sure to listen for the tugboat sounds played underneath throughout the album (very clear during the quiet spots). It's the sonic thread that connects everything."

Finally

M. Starr | Kansas City | 01/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to admit something before I start this review. It took me FOREVER to get into this album. I tried and tried until one evening it just hit me. I do believe, as others have said, that this is a lo-fi pop record masterpiece. I'm glad I listened to it long enough before I decided to review it. Had I reviewed this album two weeks ago it might not have been the same review. Of course, there are many albums in my collection that took time to become aquainted with. Some are my favorite albums today.The opening song titled "I Want Wind To Blow" has some very nicely recorded acoustic guitar. If you listen to it on headphones, it's even more interesting as it has been recorded to shift from one speaker to another. At first, I wasn't very comfortable with Phil's voice, but I actually think I'm quite fond of it now. The second song, "The Glow, pt. 2," is probably the biggest surprise on the album. After you've been soothed by "I Want Wind To Blow" The Microphones fuzz out to the max with a wall of guitar effects. Eventually the song turns back into the most notable style of "alternative folk rock" the album is known for. As with 95% of the album, the acoustic guitar work is just superb.One of my favorite songs on the album would have to be "The Gleam, pt. 2." It has the most bizarre atmosphere I've heard in a while. On one hand it's very beautiful and hopeful. On the other, it's very sad and depressing. It creates a plethra of feeling. "Instrumental"(the second one) has almost the same vibe as "The Gleam, pt. 2" but is a little more uplifting. The piano in this song sends chills up my spine everytime I hear it now.Although it has taken me a while to come to terms with this album, I am quite happy that it is a part of my collection. The Microphones are definately original. "The Glow, pt. 2" is worth your time and money. It may take you several listens to hear the true beauty of this album. Others may catch it instantly. Some may never give it a second chance. That would not be a wise decision. I'm sure it will grow on you as it has for me. Had I heard this album earlier than 2002, I might have put it in my top 20 list of 2001. That's okay. It doesn't have to be on a "best of" list to be great. Enjoy."

Album of the Decade

filthyj | Kicking Lou Reed's A$$ | 10/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, that's a tall statement... but I haven't heard a piece of music this amazing in years. It's near impossible to explain this music; it's like being confronted by your fears while having your closest loved ones comfort you, if that helps any. It's at once some of the most intensely beautiful and frightening music ever recorded. It ranges from lullabye to caustic chaos. And there is so much space! Elvrum's songs are spread out and chopped apart so the this album feels more like a giant, sprawling, mutating piece of music rather than a collection of quirky pop songs. It seems like a world lives inside the disc, like it's an actual dream packaged for your enjoyment. I've never heard anything like this. Not even the previous Microphones releases (also great) even suggested a work of this magnitude. Of the hundreds of CDs in my collection, of the many thousands of songs and pieces of music I've heard, "The Glow pt. 2" stands out above them, rising out of the mangled memories of bands and song titles. I can't imagine a better album coming out in 2001, let alone this decade, maybe not this century. "The Glow Pt. 2" rivals every rock album ever recorded."