Monday, September 27, 2010

REVIEW: Boduf Songs - This Alone Above All Else In Spite Of Everything

7.75 out of 10
Find it here.

Mathew Sweet has been releasing songs under the "mysterious moniker" Boduf Songs for the past 6 years or so. His first album was a set of demos that he sent in to Kranky. Of-course Kranky, being the amazing label that they are, jumped right on board and released these tracks shortly after. The end result being the debut self-titled release, which to this day is one of the best "acoustic" compositions I have ever heard. Since then Mat has released a few more albums that continue in the "Acoustic/Ambient" genre with his subtle hints of electronics & natural sounds. "This Alone Above All Else In Spite Of Everything" is the fourth proper release for Boduf Songs. Much like the previous releases it carries on with Mat's signature sound, only this time around with more electronics and what sounds/feels like a stripped down almost Industrial sound. (somewhat)

"This Alone.." starts off with a "bare-boned" piano sustained, reverberated, and slightly glowing amongst a void of hollowed sounds. About 1 minute in Mathew's "sweet" (sorry had to do it) vocals come in. Right about that moment you will begin to feel very comforted, possibly drowsy, definitely contemplative, and quite possibly smitten. Underneath the gorgeous piano compositions & hazey vocals lay microbial bits of field recordings, "twinkly" dins, and enough organic-tronics to please the "headphone snob" in all of us. I should warn (some of) you when Mat wrote this album he was at a down point in his life. This will be completely apparent while listening to this album. But these songs aren't exactly about "sadness", rather it's about getting over the obstacles that are holding you back (quite possibly with a "pessimistic" POV--maybe). Eh, either way, these tracks are perfect drizzled down sounds for a gloomy day with little or no intentions of becoming un-mellow. Personally I like those days, so finding a soundtrack that suites isn't a bad thing.

I LOVE how consistent this artist is with his releases, can't say I've ever been let down. This may be my favorite Boduf Songs album to date. It's definitely his most "accessible" (depending on the person I suppose). It seems Boduf Songs expand it's sounds with each new release, "This Alone.." is definitely the most full sounding to date. This album is also very minimal in it's truest form. It's also RECOMMENDED.

Standout Tracks: All. Definitely check out; Decapitation Blues, Absolutely Null And Utterly Void, Have Decided To Pass Through Matter (yes please), They Get On Slowly (this song reminds of NIN for some reason..)

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