Tell me...what is this Local Music Fridays?
Josh Barton's birthday is May 21st. Last May 21st, his band Fields of Industry released an album called Two Dogs, A Television. This year, he released a solo album called I Missed You, Too. Not bad for birthday presents you give yourself.
I first remember meeting Josh as Michael's roommate at Vail House, many years ago, although I have this feeling that we probably crossed paths less formally earlier. I'm pretty sure he lent us equipment a few times. I always remember him being thoughtful and kind, so I was not surprised when I heard his music, which is also thoughtful and very good.
His music, with FoI and on his own, is a quite contemplative shoegazey thing. I like this song, because it reminds me of a number of things that I can't quite put my finger on. I like when music does that, in this modern era of so many potential influences. To acknowledge that you have influences while staying original is a feat unto itself--one that Josh has exceeded at. Perhaps I hear a little early brooding Michael Stipe in the melancholy vocals, a little Jesus and Mary Chain in that fuzzed out guitar Psychocandy, but not so much that it's definitive or offensive.
Love it? You can come see Josh at The 50/50 tomorrow night. Want to hear more? Get the whole album for free here.
Totally unrelated: A and I went to Governor's Island today and it was so so awesome. Highly reccomend, if you're trying to squeeze some last minute awesome out of our summer.
Head Hang Low.mp3
I am lost,
with no companion.
Addendum: Josh points out:
Thanks for posting Head Hang Low. Just wanted to point out in case it wasn't obvious that that track is a Julian Cope cover, though one I think I injected some of myself into. So I think your analysis is entirely appropriate, even if the "influence" is now much easier to point to.
Not being terribly familiar with Cope, I totally missed this one. Thanks for the correction, Josh.
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