Likable and Un-lumpable
calico30 | Katy Texas | 05/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pip Proud was lo fi indie folk before Bright Eyes, Beck (circa One Foot In the Grave), or Neutral Milk were in training pants. Pip first picked up a guitar in 1960's Australia, as therapy for poor hand coordination. Despite the limitations this fact seems to have put on Pip's playing, his guileless strumming and plunking is quite winning, similar in sound, if not technique, to the nascent plinking of such blues legends as Charlie Patton and Blind Willie Johnson. Add to this lyrics both intelligent and cryptic, as well as a certain innocent energy to the music (especially evident in "Jumped in My Rowboat", "My Gal Sal", and "They Took Us All So Kindly"). Devoutly indie and low key, Pip is an unique melding of rudimentary guitar work and childlike lyrics and vocals...and he was one of the first."