In a recent interview, Brian Eno suggested that the key to his success wasn't in throwing the rule book away, but in creating a set of rules for each recording. D. Charles Speer would do well to heed that suggestion.
D. Charles Speer - Arghiledes (2011) – 1.5 / 10.0
Release Date: March 14, 2011
Running Time: 40:57
Label: Thrill Jockey
Genre: Alternative Folk, Alternative Singer/Songwriter
Drug of Choice: Heroine, Morphine, LSD
Key Tracks:
"O Sinachis"
There is a defined divide between the critical world and the general listener world for music that veers into truly uncharted territory. Albums that provide little ground for the listener to reference tend to feel tedious, while critics, jaded from listening to so many albums that sound exactly the same, often jump on anything that sounds fresh or new. With D. Charles' Speer's Arghiledes, I think we have something that everyone can agree to pass on. Speer is an undoubtedly singular songwriter, but here, he throws his hat into so many rings as to render this collection of songs virtually unlistenable.
The centerpiece on this record is Eastern Raga, and when he focuses solely on that genre ("O Sinachis") the man's talent shines through. However, the diversions in Post-Rock and Noise experimentation on songs like "Lost Dervish" are completely devoid of hook and most often rely on repeating discordant sounds. In shorter terms, this recording is just unpleasant on the ear. The seven tracks span a painful, meandering 40-plus minutes, with the tracks sounding less like full songs than random recordings of Speer tuning in layers. While fans of the truly out there might find solace on this record, I will take a firm pass on Arghiledes.
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Reviewer Stats:
Reviews -50
Average Rating - 6.8
Highest Rating - 9.5 Blitzen Trapper's American Goldwing
Lowest Rating - 1.5 D. Charles Speer's Arghiledes
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