I have a feeling that, somewhere in the "pile" of records I never reviewed, I have the initial release of Raymond Scott Woolson's self-released The View From Boggins Heights. I'm not going to look for it, though; I simply don't have the desire to wade through what is most assuredly a mediocre pile of music. Besides, it doesn't matter, as this 2007 reissue I just picked up suits me just fine.

Woolson's music is soft, simple, and quiet. It's an all-instrumental affair, and though it drifts nicely into the style of bliss-rock artists like Robin Guthrie, on "Six Hours One Friday," "Dear Wanda," and "Wheels Whirling On A Red Plastic Motorcycle," I honestly expected to hear singing, as the music seemed geared to accompanying vocals. Makes me wonder if Woolson has some singing in mind for the future, hasn't found the right vocalist to sing with him--or might not be quite confident enough to take the mic.
Overall, Woolson specializes in the electronica/pop/shoegazing mix that Ulrich Schnauss does quite well, only Woolson does not really remind you of Schnauss. When he gets into a melody, Woolson does his best to turn it into a mind-melding, head-expanding trip. The man does a good job of it, too, as its easy to get lost in the atmospheres of "Selina's Bonfire," and the closing epic "Wayfarers All" is just pure, unadulterated bliss.

Thankfully, though, Woolson doesn't fall into the sticking to one style trap, as it's not all blissful guitars; The View From Boggins Heights has enough sonic variety to hold your attention, even while you're being exposed to music that's very dreamy. The fast-paced "The Audubon Print For Ken" will wake up any sleepy-heads. "Dear Wanda" is a straight-up pop song, with instruments in the place of vocals; it has a Musak-meets-shoegazing feel that wouldn't sound out of place on Japancakes' cover of Loveless.

Apparently, Woolson reissued this to tide people over and get people ready for a big record he is releasing this year. After spending a cold, dreary weekend with The View From Boggins Heights I say--bring it on!

Listen To: "The Audubon Print for Ken"

Labels: Raymond Scott Woolson, reviews w

posted by joseph kyle @ 10:52 AM

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