Search - Songs: Ohia :: Didn't It Rain

Utterly Gorgeous

The Laughing World | Brisbane, Australia | 05/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In this day and age of digital recording technology, it takes a brave (and talented) musician to be able to dare to make a record with little, let alone no guiding help from their nearest friendly computer. This makes Didn't It Rain, the new album by American artist Songs: Ohia all the more amazing, as it was recorded live in an abandoned factory in one take, with no overdubs. However, despite the potential for a muddied and clarity challenged recording, Songs: Ohia have managed to give this album a warm yet perfect production. Although only a seven track release, Didn't It Rain has enough raw emotion, subtle sensibilites and quirky nuances to make it worthwhile as a full album, being long enough to satisfy one's desire, but not long enough to get to the stage where it could potentially tire the listener (a trick many albums released recently have been unable to avoid). It's hard to recommend particular tracks for this album, as they are all superb individually and as a whole. However, Steve Albini's Blues, apart from having a great title, is a haunting piece full of the vocal desolation and desperation that is a trademark of Jason Molina's songs. 'Blue Factory Flame' is the other track that warrants particular attention. This song has an air of being faster or more upbeat than the preceding quartet of songs on the album, although with repeated listens this really is only because of the appearance of drums. The appearance of said drums and bass, despite not appearing until this stage, aren't a distraction, but instead provide another palette for Molina's grief, with the 'chorus' refrain of "paralyzed by emptiness" being emphasised by Jennie Benford's gorgeous and mournful backing vocals. Didn't It Rain is a superb album, already one of my favourites for 2002, and hopefully with great songs and a record company push, Songs: Ohia will gain more of the recognition he so rightly deserves."

Haunting, Beautiful, Brilliant...

sbrooks76 | Newark, De United States | 03/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Molina's honest vocals alone on this album make it a riveting and exquisite experience. I enjoy his voice much more than Oldham's and this album is why. An everyman voice accompanied by the sweet female voice layed over modest and deliberate music make this album near perfect. The mood and theme is the same throughout the album. Despite the obvious blue theme the tempo and atmosphere are similar throughout, and after you listen you will be glad it is. Molina knows how to orchestrate a song so well that in its little pulses it draws your right in and you wish you could just grasp and hold onto the moments of exquisite bliss. The best thing about Songs is that they don't succumb to the "emo", self-interested movement that is so popular. Transcendent themes and bold lyrics dont get bogged down in cliche narcissisms and the album provides a beautiful, noble and resilient musical experience...Buy anything by this band"

The theme is blue...

sbrooks76 | Newark, De United States | 03/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"And it is good. Molina's mode is mellow, melodic and masterful! Any album by Songs is worthy of five stars. I echo the sentiment that bands like Songs are a great alternative to the over-elctronicification of rock (if that is a word). Molina's voice isn't the best, but it is perfect. Quivering, honest and blunt it presents the lyric right to the heart. Patient and exact, Didn't It Rain is both somber and celebratory. You can listen to Songs: Ohia and although songs of sadness at times, they are empowering as Molina promises we aren't helpless. This album is not over-saturated with that "emo" element that makes some albums a whiny mess at times. Bold vocals, music and lyrics make Songs a listening utopia and this album a block in the neighborhood..."