Tied Tickled Trio
Tied Tickled Trio
[Bingo]
Rating: 5.3
There's a reason why there was never a song called "O Germany." It's 'cause
those wacky Germans are confusing. Think about it-- you got Rammstein over
there setting himself on fire, people tearing down big walls in Berlin, and
everybody sounds like they're trying to hock a loogie all the damn time.
And that's before we even get into discussing your old friend Adolf.
Eh, I don't really have anything against the Germans-- I'm of German decent,
myself. But what's with this nutty Tied Tickled Trio? They're weird! Sort
of an avant-garde jazz/ electronica group, they explore musical territories
you wouldn't wanna venture into, even in huge, steel-toed boots. Not that
it's a particularly bad thing-- just confusing.
The disc starts off with "Rara Avis," a strangely haunting electronic tune
with minimalist, clanging percussion. But before you know it, you've taken
an unexpected turn into Happyland. "Mutant" consists of a snappy, pre-programmed
drum track, topped with rich, creamy piano parts that sound
straight off a Tortoise record. Wait a minute... what's that ringing?
We've either accidentally walked into a swanky strip joint or fallen
helplessly into "Tusovska Dub," a mostly bass- and percussion-driven
number whose staggering beat is almost as clumsy as its title.
So, is the record bad? Well, no-- actually, it's a great listen, but only
the first time through. And even then it's only really good because it's
unpredictable. There is some great mix-tape fodder, though. Take, for instance,
"Nordlied," which is a great avant-jazz track, even for an old-school
avant-jazz guy like John Zorn. And I like the title 'cause in high school,
I had a choir teacher named Mr. Nordli, and this track sounds like something
he might be into. Therefore, "Nordlied" is a fitting title. Get it?
Nordli? "Nordlied?" It's... it's a joke...
-Ryan Schreiber