Brightblack - ala.cali.tucky

7.5 - USA - 2003

The debut album from the Northern California based duo, Brightblack (who would soon change their name to Brightblack Morning Light). Perhaps one of the best examples of the "freak-folk" scene, this record -- recorded by Palace brother Paul Oldham (who also provides the bass) -- exudes an ultra-laidback warmth as befitting its hippie provenance. Seriously, these two are for real: they, like, live in a tent and record by solar power and everything. Hence the lyrical references to talking oceans, whispering rivers, and, um, star blanket river children.

Sonically, the album recasts sixties "back-to-the-land" folkieisms through a millenial, indie lens to create a foggy, wooden drone. Gently strummed acoustic guitar and hazy vocals are backed by a burbling Rhodes and the long, lonesome whine of a ghostly pedal steel. Above all, this record is s l o w. Every track crawls along at an almost ridiculous snail's pace. The quickest things get is when the drums kick in during the second half of "Own Time Woodland Song" and the pace picks up to what could best be described as a languid amble. But it's all very pretty; the perfect music for getting stoned on a woody beach. Also of note Will "Bonnie 'Prince' Billy" Oldham is credited with "a high ghost sing", but is otherwise completely inaudible, which makes sense because, you know, ghosts aren't fucking real.