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The title of this CD is literal: label guy Andy (no last name) cajoled a bunch of indie-rock heavyweights to record songs in the intimate setting of his living room. Andy's at pains to reassure the listener this isn't some hiss-filled four-track festival: the cover calls the recording "hi-fidelity," and he thanks the manufacturers of his recording gear in the liner notes for helping him achieve good sound. The virtue of this recording method is its directness and intimacy, perhaps best exemplified by Ida's lovely take on the Roches' "Losing True" - which ends with singer Liz Mitchell working Andy's cat into a rich purr. This is unlikely to happen at a big-ass professional recording facility. (Okay, I like this because I'm a cat-lover - and it says not a whole lot about the music. But music is about more than the notes - at its best, it is a social phenomenon, a way people communicate with one another.) Other name acts bringing nicely understated performances include Mary Timony (on leave from Helium and demonstrating once more her quirky but compelling songcraft), Seana Carmody (ex-Swirlies and Syrup USA), Richard Davies, and solo folks from Secret Stars, Mistle Thrush, Karate, and uh, Buffalo Tom (Chris Colbourn, who acquits himself well). Karate actually kicks up a minor storm (annoying Andy's neighbors, apparently), but in general this is fine late-night listening. Bring your own cat. |
