The Indy Rewind - October 2006

Compiled By Ian Rice
Arts and Lifestyle Editor


There are some musical creations out there that are so captivating, so absolutely perfect, that they belong in any serious fan's collection. These are albums that feature no filler, no missteps and no songs you could do without. In short, they are masterpieces. More often than not, however, these albums are ignored by the public, relegated to obscurity because one of the major labels didn't see the value in backing it up when it hit the shelves. Fortunately, the Independent has dug these gems out of obscurity and is ready to present them to you in what we like to call "The Indy Rewind."


John Frusciante - To Record Only Water For Ten Days
Originally released in 2001 with zero promotion, Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante's third solo release should have been candidate for Album of the Year. Recorded entirely by Frusicante while on a break from touring and recording with the Chili Peppers, To Record is miles away from his band's usual funk-inspired style. Here, Frusciante explores the quieter and occasionally more electronic side of music and never fails to be completely awe-inspiring. While his first two solo releases were a bit disjointed, To Record finds the guitarist hitting his stride, flawlessly creating an album that simply cannot be cast aside. Highlights include the lead single "Going Inside" and the amazing "Ramparts."


Howlin' Rain - Howlin' Rain
It is amazing how a record like Howlin' Rain's self-titled debut could enter the market without so much as a whisper from the music press as a whole. Expertly fusing elements of Stephen Stills, Free and the gamut of '60s psychedelia, Howlin' Rain proves to be a high-water mark for where current rock acts can take music. The sounds included on the album are familiar, yet seem strikingly original at the same time. This is what musical progression is all about - taking cues from your influences and turning them into a style that is uniquely your own. Present day music doesn't get much better than this. Highlights include "Death Prayer in Heaven's Orchard" and "Roll On the Rusted Days."


Spacehog - The Chinese Album
Following the massive success of their first-album hit "In the Meantime," Spacehog entered the studio in 1998 to record their sophomore effort. Entitled The Chinese Album, it would prove to be the band's finest effort and one of the greatest releases of the year. Unfortunately for Spacehog, the album didn't possess another smash like "In the Meantime" and fell off the face of the earth shortly after its release. It's a shame, since The Chinese Album is a brilliant collection of Bowie-esque nuance and T-Rex-like bombast. The Chinese Album is one that makes you want to pick up an instrument and write your own songs as good as "Lucy's Shoe" or "Goodbye Violet Race."




"The Indy Rewind" appears every month in the Arts and Lifestyle section.