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August 1, 2006

Holy Ghost Language School/Winter Women Watercooler

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.

Posted at 3:24 PM in
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13 Comments

Thanks stereogum. You made my afternoon.

Posted by: Jack at 08/01/06 4:26 PM  | Reply
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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.

Posted by: Philm at 08/01/06 4:27 PM  | Reply
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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.

Posted by: Philm at 08/01/06 4:27 PM  | Reply
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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.

Posted by: Philm at 08/01/06 4:28 PM  | Reply
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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.

Posted by: Riley at 08/01/06 4:48 PM  | Reply
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sounds alright... he should maybe slow down. im still digesting bitter tea!

Posted by: fred at 08/01/06 5:11 PM  | Reply
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oops

Posted by: philm at 08/01/06 5:11 PM  | Reply
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if there were one FF's record with 14-18 songs from Bitter Tea, Winter Women and HGLS it would be amazing.

Posted by: pinkanderson at 08/01/06 6:04 PM  | Reply
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Wait. Does that mean Gary Busey isn't a genius?

Posted by: the billionaire at 08/01/06 6:07 PM  | Reply
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Most disappointing FF-related release. I'm just not feeling it. THIS is truly the B-sides album, unlike EP.

Posted by: Justin at 08/01/06 8:01 PM  | Reply
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after a few listens, Winter Women is still underwhelming...

Posted by: dustin at 08/02/06 1:21 AM  | Reply
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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?

Posted by: boo at 08/02/06 10:35 AM  | Reply
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you pick the best!

Posted by: bla at 08/03/06 6:26 PM  | Reply
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