Phil & the Osophers
You know how much I love music that rattles along, sounding like it was recorded on a tape recorder that got accidentally trapped under a duvet in the next room. Well I’ve got another ‘un for you. I’ve been sent a big old sample zip file with songs from Phil & the Osophers’ various albums – there have been several over the years – so I’ve ended up with a slightly odd sense of how they all fit together, but I am really enjoying their stuff.
Perhaps the closest comparison I can come up with is Adam Balbo, who I’ve posted about here a few times, although lyrically this isn’t quite as acerbic, and they don’t quite have the flair for pathos that Mr. Balbo seems to possess, but nevertheless it is very good indeed. Imagine if the early Wave Pictures had been inspired by indie instead of rock ‘n’ roll, and add that into the mix as well, and we might just be getting there.
Their new album is just out on Factual Fabrications and is called Toward Conquering the Invisible North. I have just ordered it, and although I’ve already heard about half of the songs I am really looking forward to putting the full thing on the stereo and hearing it as a discrete album.
It sounds like it was recorded in a barn, he sings like he can’t really be arsed making an effort, and yet somehow there’s a really loose, irreverent energy to this music. It embraces its failings with spirit, and defiantly turns them into virtues. Great stuff. I shall be exploring further.
One from the new album:
Phil & the Osophers – La Bastille
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And a couple of older ones:
Phil & the Osophers – Pineapple
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Website (& old records) | More mp3s | Buy the new album from Insound
Very cool indeed! Kinda like an even lower-fi version of the Violent Femmes (if that’s even possible). I’d love to see them take this even further outside the box. Don’t you get the feeling they really want to let loose and just go way out there with it? And I like his voice, I don’t find it lazy at all. Nice find, sir, …. thanks! xoxoxo
Well I’m glad someone likes this. I’m really looking forward to the album. And I would indeed imagine that if they really wanted to go for it they could indeed make the most unhinged racket. No idea what they’re like live though, but it would be fun to see.
I just saw a video from them on Pitchfork. Indeed, they have an interesting sound, as evidenced from the tracks you posted. “La Bastille” has the driving energy that sounds like a march or call to arms – a simple, yet effective song. I actually really enjoy what I’ve been hearing so far. Too many bands sound the same, and it is refreshing to hear a band that is unique in voice and music. Even the positive, non-cheesy tone I get from the music is rare these days.