Greg Ashley
Painted Garden (Birdman)
By Noreen Sobczyk
Published: April 2nd, 2007 | 12:00pm
Greg Ashley, whose other projects include Gris Gris and the Mirrors, draws constant comparisons to Roky Erickson, and occasionally Big Star’s classic release Third. The first time one listens to this somnambulistic album they may dismiss it before delving into it’s subtleties. Painted Garden is, pardon the pun, a grower, meshing psychedelia and folk. His magnetic instrumentation is enough to make him stand out amongst the current glut of artists termed “singer-songwriter.” “Room 33” with it’s shimmering cymbals is a honey drip of a ballad that spirals into backwards effects and free jazz horn squealing. That proclivity for the odd flourish also separates Ashley from the pack as he cheekily turns the corner musically yelling “Boo.”
“Song From Limestone County” begins as an ambient sound poem and morphs into a tripped out eight-minute song. “Sailing With Bobby” features what sounds like steel drums, and simplistic vocals by an uncredited female. She and the song sound more modern and breezy, yet somehow bring to mind Nico’s lazy drawl. It’s a charming and successful concoction. “Fisher King” is the album’s most catchy track with it’s ‘60s-influenced lounge groove with piano and seemingly free form poetry lyrics about addiction. It benefits greatly from the female backing vocals and horn that come at the song’s close. This is a song that would have your partygoers begging to know “Who was that?” "Pretty Belladonna" opens like a slow dance at a ‘50s prom. It’s haunting in the same way as Eraserhead’s “Lady in the Radiator.” Odd background vocals overlay the music almost as if floating above the notes.
Painted Garden will please listeners who enjoy moody balladeers and have a varied musical collection that occasionally delves into the ‘60s. It’s the sort of album one can appreciate while lying down in a darkened room as the songs take you traveling through daydreams, especially if coupled with a mind-altering substance or two.
Issue #35
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