Supergroups are always fun. It's even better when each of the parts on its own is outstanding. The folk, country, rock, soul foursome that is Monsters Of Folk delivers an outstanding debut album of fifteen songs that are a mix of each of the group members' individual takes on music. Born out of a live tour, the band, which features M. Ward, Jim James (of My Morning Jacket), and Conor Oberst & Mike Mogis (of Bright Eyes), mixes together the cohesive harmonies of CSNY with the modern twist of 90's and 00's folk rock music. Each band member sounds so similar while singing, sometimes you never actually know who is on the mic. They gave the first single, "Say Please," away for free, quite possibly because of the entire album it's the most straightforward and simple song. The leadoff track, "Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)" is possible the best track on the entire album, simply because it's a complete departure from the folksy sounds of the rest of the disc. Mogis (who has produced albums for Bright Eyes & Pete Yorn) shared production duties on this album with the other three members of the band, which allowed for easy mixing of techniques and styles amongst the group. All in all, this supergroup may become a permanent thing, and the boys in the band have created such a successful endeavour with this album, they are sure to have to share time with their respective personal musical commitments in order to keep this thing alive. This is not the last we've heard from Monsters Of Folk.
1.02.2010
CD REVIEW: Monsters Of Folk "Monsters Of Folk"
Supergroups are always fun. It's even better when each of the parts on its own is outstanding. The folk, country, rock, soul foursome that is Monsters Of Folk delivers an outstanding debut album of fifteen songs that are a mix of each of the group members' individual takes on music. Born out of a live tour, the band, which features M. Ward, Jim James (of My Morning Jacket), and Conor Oberst & Mike Mogis (of Bright Eyes), mixes together the cohesive harmonies of CSNY with the modern twist of 90's and 00's folk rock music. Each band member sounds so similar while singing, sometimes you never actually know who is on the mic. They gave the first single, "Say Please," away for free, quite possibly because of the entire album it's the most straightforward and simple song. The leadoff track, "Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)" is possible the best track on the entire album, simply because it's a complete departure from the folksy sounds of the rest of the disc. Mogis (who has produced albums for Bright Eyes & Pete Yorn) shared production duties on this album with the other three members of the band, which allowed for easy mixing of techniques and styles amongst the group. All in all, this supergroup may become a permanent thing, and the boys in the band have created such a successful endeavour with this album, they are sure to have to share time with their respective personal musical commitments in order to keep this thing alive. This is not the last we've heard from Monsters Of Folk.
