Pram - The Museum of Imaginary Animals
(Merge)
Though I know that these guys have a wonderful back
catalog that I have been meaning to look into for some
time now, this is my first exposure to Pram, and I like
these guys a lot.
The opening track features (along with a great
melody) wonderful singing in the tradition of Laetitia
Sadier but with more humanity, Donovan-styled flute,
farfisa-styled keyboard and enough cool kitsch to keep
me secure in my inferiority.
I don't see Jim O'Rourke credited anywhere on the
sleeve, but this really sounds like it was recorded
and somewhat arranged by the latter day Brian Wilson
himself. The horn blasts are envigorating and bright
and the recording is crisp and clear. At some points,
the onslaught of sound overcomes me a bit, but this is
a minor criticism.
The third track, "Mother of Pearl" really stands out
to me. The general sense of enthusiasm and happiness
carries me off to memories of a childhood waterfight.
At times this music is capable of bringing back
feelings of elation only experienced in childhood.
Pram makes me feel good, like a child seeing his first
autumn and jumping through a leaf pile or memories of
the county fair.
I will definately be looking into that back
catalog... and how!
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