22nd November 2009

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Ed Yazijian - Six Ways to Avoid the Evil Eye (Spirit of Orr)

Apparently, this record was a reissue of a CD-R put out by Apostasy a few years ago. It’s all sorts of drone, utilizing instruments from all over the world, as well as some non-instruments-as-instruments with which most people would be familiar.  The first time I listened to the record, I didn’t really even notice; the instruments blend so well with the more nontraditional tools to create the kind of sound I grew up loving after so many family trips to Indian restaurants.  But after giving it another spin, I started picking up things I missed the first time - strange things.  Some tracks have a sort of snow about them; after reading the insert, I found that one of the instruments is a shortwave radio.  Glasses, pot lids, and bowls are also used on this record, along with a long list of actual instruments from all over the place: guitar, divan saz, dotara, violin, sarinda, khaen, gong, cymbals, pennywhistle, tabla, frame drums, estey pump organ, and a cowbell.

The only thing I don’t like about it is, since the cover is screen-printed, the ink has a kind of sticky texture to it that I just don’t really enjoy touching.  But, then again, it’s screen-printed, so that’s cool.

I’m hoping Spirit of Orr makes an appearance at the fast-approaching WMUA Vinyl sale, so I can perhaps find something more in this area of ambient world-drone.  I’ll have Ron recommend me something.

Tagged: getting into a serious thing