Albums by this artist

Owen (2000)

Owen

Owen

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» A.K. GOLD | STAFF WRITER

Owen Owen Polyvinyl, 2000 RiYL: Owls, American Football, Joan Of Arc

What is it with those Kinsella brothers? Tim and Mike seem to be everywhere lately, releasing solo records, forming new bands, and reuniting old ones under new names. Owen is the name for Mike Kinsella's (American Football, Cap'n Jazz, Joan of Arc, and Owls) solo -- or more aptly, self-sufficient -- project. He invested his recording budget into studio equipment and created every part of every song, with the exception of a bit of backing vocals added by Ranier Maria's Caithlin De Marrais, from the ground on up. The result is Owen's self-titled debut, an album filled with pensive and engaging pop songs.

"Accidentally" is a sparse, all-instrumental arrangement driven by a delicate acoustic guitar phrase which then expands, sonically and forcefully, as it accepts layers of complementary electric guitar, percussion, and keyboard drones. In addition, "Places to Go" ends up being one of the record's more lively tracks, with upbeat acoustic guitar strumming and percussion driving the story of someone taking "a break from life," to go traveling. Owen tends to be a bit homogenous throughout, probably a side effect of Kinsella undertaking every aspect of the record on his own. However, the pretty and simple down-tempo feel that spans throughout the record is comforting and thoughtful, like a meditation for the bedroom recording/listening set.

A.K. GOLD | A.K. Gold lives in Washington, D.C., where she slaves away for a non-profit organization and constantly compares everything to New York City or Chicago. She's earned her "cred" as a college radio and pre-1960 country music DJ, committed indie label street teamer, sporadic zinemaker/contributor, retired mail-order filler and occasional freelance writer. From time to time, she publishes Anecdotal Evidence, a per zine that will some day be considered for the National Book Award, or possibly not. If you want to buy a copy, or desire to write to her for some other reason, email criticgirl@hotmail.com.