Music from The Microphones – “Song Islands” – Digital Servicing Only

Song Islands is a compilation of singles and rarities that was originally released on K on CD in 2002. The songs on the record were recorded between 1998-2002 and shows, that even in the beginning, Elverum‘s approach was firmly in place. Like all other The Microphones albums, the creaking chairs and fumbled notes are all left unedited. What some consider missteps, become a part of the song and storytelling with The Microphones. Along with singles, the compilation includes b-sides and demos of songs or ideas that would find a place on proper releases. For example, “I Lost My Wind” hints at melodies that would become “I Felt My Size” & “Phil Elvrum’s Will” starts like “I Want Wind to Blow”, both released on The Glow Pt. 2. Alternate takes on standout tracks from their discography, “The Glow Pt. 4” & “The Moon”, provide a scope of the various directions Elverum & Co. are able to take their songs. The release received a 4-star review from AllMusic and PopMatters called it “a tribute to beautiful songwriting as it is to innovative sonic sculpture.” Song Islands has never been released on vinyl, until now. Visit the P.W. Elverum site for more information here and download the album below.

RIYL: Mirah, Mount Eerie, Old Time Relijun, My Bloody Valentine

Recommended Tracks: track #9 “I Can’t Believe You Actually Died”, track #3 “Where It’s Hotter Pts. 1, 2, 3,”, track #7 “Moon Moon”, track #8 “I Lost My Wind”, track #11 “The Moon”

FCC CLEAN

Going for Adds 6/24 & 6/25

Label: P. W. Elverum & Sun