Zarko

Linda Perhacs – Parallelograms


Here is a freak folk album that, whilst recorded in 1970, didn’t come into any form of recognition until the mid 2000’s, hwen it was re-released in 2005 with the growing popularity in new weird America. An important preface to my opinion of the album can be clearly seen in this post though. I am pretty solidly an instrumental fan, and vocals are my most picky area when it comes to enjoying music and it’s fair to say that I dislike MOST vocals. So what’s going to happen when an album virtually revolves around its vocals? I had better hope I enjoy them immensely.

Parallelograms, as I mentioned, is a freak folk album based around Linda’s placate vocals with some occasional psychedelic elements present. That’s all well and nice, but unfortunately I was never able to find myself sucked in by the vocals. Sure they are nice and all, but overall IMO they aren’t strong enough to carry and album to keep me interested. The backing music has some pretty open changes for a purely backing aspects, sometimes offering a more country attack, sometimes a more psychedelic mood, sometimes straight up folky-ness. But overall, it is nothing to get excited about if the vocals aren’t to your liking. Some of the vocal layering also annoying me to no end, however with this they did capture the ‘essence’ of the album and title particularly. Sometimes her vocals are recorded and then layered, giving the sense of having more than one vocalist involved. Being the same voice obviously represents the Parallelograms title, but something annoying me about them sometimes.

I must say though, that despite not being to my liking, it is quite fitting and pacifying in the correct context. Raining like hell outside, cold (Despite being 3 days until summer starts, and being the end of spring, where it got to 40 degrees just yesterday), and a beer in hand, it just all fit. So I can’t say it was a totally negative experience which was odd considering I wasn’t a fan of the music in a purely analytical context.

Bulldog

It's a bit limiting as far as themes go though. At least with me anyway. All I can think of is Bob Dylan's new album to fit it, and personally I'd rather not subject anyone to having to listen to that.

I've got plans for this evening, so my review/paragraph will be up tomorrow. Next draw's on Wednesday, whatever the theme will end up being.

Schizotypic

Yeah I can see that. I think the theme should not be limited to the weather or time of year. Once we break that barrier there are tons of nifty things we can do; classics, psychedelic, love, hate, dark, happy, whatever.

I'm sure someone will come-up with something good.

abdullah424

I'm in for next round

Bulldog

Good fellow

And Schizo, yeah, let's see how it all turns out eh.

I'm willing to go with a holiday-themed thing if enough people are. If not folks, feel free to suggest something for the next round.

NumberNineDream

I'm in ... but I don't think I can get any holiday album for the trade, tho I don't mind themed comps, if it's not really limiting.

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+81

I don't see what's so strict about that theme. It's not like it has to be traditional Christmas carols. It could be something like a cozy album because that's the feeling you get around family and friends during the season or something fast because it reminds you of shopping malls on the 24th. I'm not married to the idea just giving an example.

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Bulldog

Ah, now I see Fair enough then. I'm gonna leave this open to whoever else wants to suggest a theme, and if there aren't a lot more ideas exactly pouring in, we can go with it I suppose.

abdullah424

I'd prefer not to do a theme at all. But I'm still down either way.

Zarko

I'm in for whatever, though Christmas theme can be a little constricting.