Mysteries Of Life
Focus On The Background
»
Mysteries Of Life
Focus On The Background
Flat Earth, 1997
RiYL: Antenna, Blake Babies, Velo-Deluxe, Talking Heads, the Velvet Underground's Loaded |
Like the Talking Heads, the Mysteries are driven by pulsating rhythms. And like Brill Building-era Carole King, Smith emanates cheerful pop songwriting at every turn. The EP, released on Indianapolis' Flat Earth Records, provides a glimpse into what was, at the time, the Mysteries' bright future. It churns with staccato guitar and chugging drums and bass, all driven by Smith's tight songwriting.
Following Keep A Secret, the Mysteries' major label debut on RCA, the band went through major personnel changes, leaving Smith and his wife, drummer Freda Love, as the only original members still in the band.
The other bandmembers have been replaced by a sort of Bloomington, Ind,, all-star cast, adding bassist Kenny Childers (Go Mango, Velo-Deluxe, Stranded At the Drive-In) and percussionist LonPaul Ellrich (Sardina, United States Three, John Strohm).
The change has definitely been a positive one. On songs such as the Talking Heads' "Naive Melody" and Childers' "Shiver," Childers, Ellrich and Love lock into a powerful rhythm section. Love's expansive malleting and Childers' rapid-fire bass-riffing build a fat foundation for the rest of the players.
Smith has elevated himself to a new level, with even-more tuneful songs than he displayed on the band's debut. "Wish You Well" and "Sight Unseen" echo the ghosts of rock and roll past while still sounding fresh and new.
PATRICK KASTNER | Affectionately known as Cousin Patty (yes, it's a "Throw Momma From The Train" reference), Patrick Kastner is a designer for the Columbus Post-Dispatch.