Brokeback - Looks at the Bird

BROKEBACK
Looks at the Bird
[Thrill Jockey, 2003]

Beautifully laid back and contemplative, at the same time Looks at the Bird demonstrates the breezy sentimentalism and instrumental proficiency typical of Sea and Cake and Tortoise type TJ releases. Brokeback is actually the side project of the bassist for the latter group, and the heritage of jazzy post-rock which brought Tortoise to fame informs much of this album. Indie kids will in fact recognize many notable guests, including the late Mary Hansen *honour_her* of Stereolab fame.

Many of the compositions have an improvised feel to them, and yet they remain highly structured and narrative in style. In fact, there is perhaps an equal amount of computer processing as live instrumentation. The melodies are elaborate and touching, and yet one cannot help but smile at the kitchiness of the compositions. The lyric-free voices of many of the album’s pieces are perhaps the first indication that all is not serious with Brokeback’s aesthetic. Listen in the morning and enjoy the afternoon...

MP3: Brokeback - Lupé