Search - Of Montreal :: Early Four Track Recordings

It took a little bit to grow on me

Zelie Nic | Pittsburgh | 06/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"but I like it just as much as any Of Montreal album. I don't judge these as Of Montreal songs. To me, these all come from a time before then. The lyrical style is different. Listen to those first few tracks on here; it sounds as if Kevin's trying to get as much out of his mouth as he can.



The album's amateur song is to be enjoyed. I'm not sure when in the world the musicians where at the time of these recordings, but it reminds me of stuff (quality-wise) I use to make with my friends in a basement (with the four-track). The are experimental, be it in the lyrics, the music, or both.



I really enjoy the songs especially those with the lines "The telephone only lets me borrow the comfort of your voice", "Creampuff wedding of two" and "I'm not getting married without a bottle in both hands." Because of all the Dustin Hoffman titles (obviously chosen after the fact) these serve as de facto titles.



You might be initially turned off in thinking this is another Of Montreal album, but give it a chance because this shows just how much Of Montreal has grown in the past ten years. If they went from this to where they're at today, then who knows what further bounds they'll travel before its all over?"

One of the best cd's I have bought in 2006.

Lacey B | Pasco, WA USA | 09/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You can't find this cd hardly anywhere, so if you can get it get it now. Supplies will run out shortly. You can't find this cd in your regular record / music store and is one of the best cd's I have bought all year. I usually spend around 1,000.00 to 2,000.00 a year on music and frankly this is one of the best cd's I have purchsed in 2006.

Take my word for it, this will be the best cd - of, Of Montreal that you will buy."

I love this album

W. Stubler | Ithaca, NY USA | 11/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of the many Of Montreal albumns I own, I find myself listening to this one the most. The songs hear are raw and unadorned, made minimal studio equipment (read: a four track) and simple instrumentation. It's this quality I like most about these pieces because they convey so much emotion in this fuzzy and crackly state. Kevin Barnes has a very passionate voice that is often hidden by the layers of psychedelic instrumentation and vocal harmony we see on his other albums. Here, his voice and kitschy lyrics take front and center. Here we have simplistic but beautiful guitar melodies and supporting instruments that sound suspiciously DIY. If you like this sort of thing or just really like Kevin Barnes and his whimsical and dreamy music, then definitely check this out. My favorite track is "Dustin Hoffman becomes indignant and wets himself" for its romantic melancholy: "I know this kid with really long hair that likes to kiss you in public places... I'm not like him, I don't speak well... " he sings with this lazy voice that is touchingly genuine. His jealous lyrics are followed by odd guitar experimentation, a brief piper at the gates of dawn moment, which comes across as some sort of storm from inside of him he had to unleash.



It's funny because the song titles tell a very bizarre story about Dustin Hoffman. It makes me think of "I heart huckabees" which I have no doubt Barnes must've enjoyed. Like Huckabees, Of Montreal is very whimsical and cerebral. Here we see a young, passionate, and romantic Barnes, more of an early Brian Wilson just getting into the psychedlic."