ALBUM REVIEW - The Nels Cline Singers - The Giant Pin
To be honest, up until a few months ago I had never heard of Nels Cline. Now that I have heard him and I wonder how it is possible I have never heard or listened to him before. His guitar playing is technically amazing, his style has him straddling multiple worlds. If forced to describe what Nels Cline does or sounds like I would have to say he is the missing link between Bill Frisell and Thurston Moore. A one moment gentle, contemplative, at another shredding over insane changes and still at another conjuring the most impressive and musical noise I have ever heard.
The Giant Pin features Nes Cline on guitar, Devin Hoff on Contrabass & Scott Amendola on drums, percussion and more. Jon Brion also guests a few tracks on keys and Greg Saunier adds (very subtle) vocals on He Still Carries a Torch for Her. The recording is crystal clear and huge. The songs are at one moment hypnotic and driving and at another quiet and contemplative, all the while presenting interesting melodies and beautifully odd rhythms. This is definitely not easy listening or background music, it demands and deserves full attention.
All the tracks are great but Square King is the high point. Nestled near the end of the disc it is a bombastic and frightening track. The chorus section with it's "Wipeout"-style drums, ostinati bass and ascending guitar lines is amazing. The track also features an incredible guitar solo that you really just need to hear. It's the first track I heard off the disc and it was the one that really sold me - I heard it and within about 10 minutes, my CD order was processed.
This is such a wonderfully beautiful CD, you would be remiss not to have it in your collection. from beginning to end it provides surprise and awe. And above all I find it strange and beautiful, groundbreaking with no air of pretension.
Gaito says: If you are looking for something new and different, look no further. This album will get you where you need to be. Buy it now!
Favorite Tracks:
Blues, Too
The Ballad of Devin Hoff
Bright Moon
Square King
The Giant Pin features Nes Cline on guitar, Devin Hoff on Contrabass & Scott Amendola on drums, percussion and more. Jon Brion also guests a few tracks on keys and Greg Saunier adds (very subtle) vocals on He Still Carries a Torch for Her. The recording is crystal clear and huge. The songs are at one moment hypnotic and driving and at another quiet and contemplative, all the while presenting interesting melodies and beautifully odd rhythms. This is definitely not easy listening or background music, it demands and deserves full attention.
All the tracks are great but Square King is the high point. Nestled near the end of the disc it is a bombastic and frightening track. The chorus section with it's "Wipeout"-style drums, ostinati bass and ascending guitar lines is amazing. The track also features an incredible guitar solo that you really just need to hear. It's the first track I heard off the disc and it was the one that really sold me - I heard it and within about 10 minutes, my CD order was processed.
This is such a wonderfully beautiful CD, you would be remiss not to have it in your collection. from beginning to end it provides surprise and awe. And above all I find it strange and beautiful, groundbreaking with no air of pretension.
Gaito says: If you are looking for something new and different, look no further. This album will get you where you need to be. Buy it now!
Favorite Tracks:
Blues, Too
The Ballad of Devin Hoff
Bright Moon
Square King
posted by Gaito at 7:35 PM
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