Pearls Before Swine
"Constructive Melancholy: 30 Years Of Pearls Before Swine"
(Birdman)
Finally, a best of Pearls Before Swine. Well not exactly a "best of," since this collection doesn't include their first two (and best) albums which were recorded for the ESP label, "One Nation Underground" and "Balaklava." Still, this new collection captures the delicate nature and indomitable spirit of Pearls Before Swine's fearless leader, Tom Rapp. Taken mostly from the group's years on the Reprise label, "Constructive Melancholy" illustrates Rapp's innate grasp on what must be called the acid-folk phenomena of the late sixties and early seventies. Rapp's song "Rocket Man" predated Elton John's big hit and draws its inspiration from a Ray Bradbury story. While Rapp was clearly inspired at times by Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, his style is more introspective and softly luxurious than either of those troubadour icons. Hippie masterpieces like "Frog In The Window" and "The Wizard Of Is" are included here and Rapp is nothing less than regal in his lisp-ridden readings of these dreamy compositions. This disc also includes new versions of some of Rapp's older classics. The interesting thing about these updated ESP-era tunes ("Miss Morse" and 'I Saw The World/Another Time) is the presence of psychedelic folk-rockers Damon & Naomi, formerly of Galaxie 500 fame. It seems that Rapp's early recordings served as inspiration to the couple, as well as other modern psyche-rock musicians like Nick Saloman of Bevis Frond. In any case, this record is a beautiful testament to the quiet genius of Tom Rapp and Pearls Before Swine.
by Mitch Myers
copyright 1999 New City Communications, Inc.