Julian Koster Presents The Singing Saw At Christmastime
Anyone who's listened to Julian Koster's work in Neutral Milk Hotel or the (newly revived) Music Tapes knows he's into the singing saw. So, though it's a hot and sticky day and a longtime from the Holiday season, it's no surprise Koster, along with Nesey Gallons, has prepped The Singing Saw at Christmastime with his so-called Singing Saw Orchestra. Along with the stripped-down saw tunes, we're told Koster's written an "'anthropological' study of the traditions of saws at Christmas" to accompany the collection. A tidbit:
Singing Saws sing all by themselves. The idea that a Human Being could play one, as one might a cello or a tuba, is a common misconception perpetuated by the saws themselves for their own amusement.
That's true. Take a listen to Julian's "Jingle Bells" while you mull the track list and cover art.
Julian Koster - "Jingle Bells" (MP3)
The rest of the carols:
01 "The First Noel"
02 "Frosty The Snowman"
03 "Silent Night"
04 "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"
05 "Jingle Bells"
06 "White Christmas"
07 "Silver Bells"
08 "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
09 "O' Come All Ye Faithful"
10 "O' Holy Night"
11 "O' Little Town Of Bethlehem"
12 "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"
The Singing Saw At Christmastime is out 10/7 on Merge.
Posted at 3:13 PM in MP3
Tags: Julian Koster | Neutral Milk Hotel | The Music Tapes
I really cannot stand: Vmapire Weekend, Bon Iver, The Strokes.
Score = -7
Wow. I've been streaming the new Music Tapes album all day. And now to hear about a Christmas album? This is unbelievably great news.
And I thought it didn't get any better than Sufjan Stevens singing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" while I trimmed the tree. I'm getting choked up just thinking about December.
Thank you reclusive, enigmatically Christian indie artists and your wonderfully weird holiday music (that means you too, Low!).
Score = 2
its a good thing that julian koster has nothing to do with any of those bands
Score = -1