Posted by Troy on September 16, 2009 20:26
I've often been known to get stuck on a group of album...hell, I don't think I listened to any other group than "Queen" all 4 years I attended Ball State University. However, my latest obsession has grabbed hold stronger than usual and won't let go. (Not that I'm complaining!)
The current obsession is The Rural Alberta Advantage(or RAA for short) and their debut album “Hometowns”. It's apparently a meditation on lead singer Nils Edenloff's childhood growing up in rural Alberta, but in typical Troy fashion I couldn't tell you the first thing about the actual lyrics. The thing about this album that has totally caught my attention and that won't let me go is the mood. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but Nils' voice conveys this wonderful sense of longing and nostalgia that doesn't come off as cheesy or cheap. Each song has a drive to it...the words don't quite fit the beat, but they rush and tumble over these fantastic melodies...pushing the whole thing along on top of the most musical drumming I've ever heard. The drum isn't a rhythm section, it's another instrument. The whole thing sounds familiar and new all at once, and 343 songs later, I still only want to listen to nothing but this album.
What's even better about RAA is that they are giving away samples across the net. I originally discovered them on Music for Kids Who Can't Read Good, where they gave away Don't Haunt This Place and Frank, AB (both are amazing). The MP3's have been taken down since that time, but if you are still interested in sampling, they have a fantastic session on Daytrotter that will give you a great idea of what they can do. (for free!)
What's more, the RAA will be coming to Columbus on September 27, and I'm counting down the days! It's so rare that I get to see my current obsession live!