Ellington

The fully realized sophomore LP by The Polyphonic Spree hallmarks their lushly textured, orchestral, pastoral pop for the 60's sunshine love and peace set. A symphonic Spiritualized pet sound of Sgt. Pepper and Flaming Lips, complete with horns, a Theremin, and booming choir. From the ashes of Tripping Daisy, epistle guru Tim DeLaughter, aided by 25 other robed agents of bliss recorded 2001's "The Beginning Stages Of…" in two days, and started the whole world singing. The slow precision of over a year in the studio and fronting a national Bowie tour has poised the inspirational troupe for 2004 international acclaim. Although there is a hit or two for the radio, this LP should be listened to in its entirety, like a good concept album. http://www.thepolyphonicspree.com
Keep watching http://revolvingpaintdream.com/update for North American tour dates. They will at the very least be at the New Orleans Voodoo Music Festival on Oct. 16 or 17, along with some fantastic other acts.

Reviewed by Herman Snell & Alex Slawson

Previous Comments

ID

63638

Comment

i love the cd. after seeing them last summer live, i feel in love with them instantly. this album truly is something great. a great step above from "the beginning stages of..." as far as quality of the recording and songwriting. if you want something feel good and that will put a smile on your face, give it a listen.

Author

patrick

Date

2004-07-17T13:35:50-06:00

ID

63639

Comment

Yeah, I've seen the most jaded cynics I know, get into them. Its hard for those folks to admit to liking so pop happy and hari krishna sunshine. Someone on pitchfork couldn't stand it. Just too happy go luck for them. I saw these days on their home turf in Dallas at the Gypsy Tea Room when I went to see The Who last summer (2003), and it was absolutely shocking. My crew didn't know what to expect at all, having never heard or seen them. The robed band approached the stage all through the crowd, singing as they approached the stage. And to have 400+ smiling, sunshiny, people singing along to every word, of every song AS LOUD AS THEY COULD. 425 folks in a campfire psychedelic gospel sing-a-long. Remember that Coke commercial ..."I'd like to teach the word to sing , in perfect harmony....." It was like the church of Sgt. Peppers. The intensity of the crowd had taken their cues from an african american church congregation or something. It's like these folks were seeing Sgt. Pepper preformed by the Beatles when it came out. It was damn infectious. Now I know the words to sing.

Author

herman

Date

2004-07-18T09:35:42-06:00