1st Imaginary Symphony for Nomad
The Music Tapes are guaranteed to either enchant or annoy, and very few people will remain undecided. Those who do may get depressed. At first listen, the Music Tapes'First Imaginary Symphony for Nomadsounds likeThe Simpsons' Rod and Todd Flanders recording a concept album on a boombox. The wounded vocals and lo-fi demeanor won't be erupting out of clubs anytime soon, but repeated listens bring an interesting, slightly eerie sound out over their many dubbed tracks. There's a theme of nervous childhood terror running through all the tracks and the more abrasive sonic talons that rake across the speakers are offset by tracks like theYellow Submarine-ish "March of the Father Fists" and the brilliantly daffy "What the Single Made the Needle Sing." Fans ofDaniel JohnstonandJad Fair's darker moments are urged to pay special attention to this band, the strangest in the Elephant 6 collective.--Jason Josephes