On 8/8, Fiery Furnaceman Matthew Friedberger delivers two solo records, Holy Ghost Language School and Winter Women. If you’re thinking “concept album!” you’re half right.
Matty told Pitchfork:
“[Holy Ghost] is a story record, [about] a guy from Chicago [who] goes and starts a business school for English in Japan that operates by xenolalia, you know, to do the business transactions. So they get the Holy Ghost and start speaking in tongues to negotiate.”
Oooookay. And the other one?
“There’s a lot of guitar solos, I guess.”
Matthew Friedberger – “The Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company Resignation Letter” (MP3)
From Winter Women
Matthew Friedberger – “Do You Like Blondes?” (MP3)
From Holy Ghost Language School
When it comes to Friedberger, I suspect a lot of indie snobs confuse “eccentric” with “genius,” but on these solo discs there is some accessible pop to be found. I agree with Fluxblog’s instructions:
Winter Women is actually a pretty good record for people who aren’t that into the Furnaces. It’s a lot milder for the most part, closer to being normal.I really really really recommend listening to one album at a time – if you try to absorb both simultaneously like I did it’s a mess and a chore and not nearly as fun/rewarding. Seriously, just spend some time with Winter Women and come back to Holy Ghost in a couple months.
Listen to one or both albums here and tell us if it’s a chore or a score.
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Thanks stereogum. You made my afternoon.
Matt is a real talent. Winter Woman will convert the non believers. Holy Ghost is a bit tough at times but like all the great Furnaces stuff repeat listens will pay off in spades. I def agree that listening to both may cause birth defects in pregnant woman and seizures for those with heart conditions.
Matt is a real talent. Winter Woman will convert the non believers. Holy Ghost is a bit tough at times but like all the great Furnaces stuff repeat listens will pay off in spades. I def agree that listening to both may cause birth defects in pregnant woman and seizures for those with heart conditions.
Matt is a real talent. Winter Woman will convert the non believers. Holy Ghost is a bit tough at times but like all the great Furnaces stuff repeat listens will pay off in spades. I def agree that listening to both may cause birth defects in pregnant woman and seizures for those with heart conditions.
This is pretty good stuff. I don’t know which I like more. It’s kind of like when Conor Oberst released those two records at the same time. I think I think i like winter women better.
sounds alright… he should maybe slow down. im still digesting bitter tea!
oops
if there were one FF’s record with 14-18 songs from Bitter Tea, Winter Women and HGLS it would be amazing.
Wait. Does that mean Gary Busey isn’t a genius?
Most disappointing FF-related release. I’m just not feeling it. THIS is truly the B-sides album, unlike EP.
after a few listens, Winter Women is still underwhelming…
i wonder when FF and MF will realize releasing every single note you’ve ever played is NOT good for your career. Try editing your stuff down, maybe pick the best?
you pick the best!