Mark Mulcahy – In Pursuit of Your Happiness

Mark Mulcahy – In Pursuit of Your Happiness

By

Jesse E. Mullen

My favorite of Mark's solo albums. (And second favorite of all his albums - to the Polaris album.) "Cookie Jar," and "I Have Patience" are the melodic indie Mulcahy is known for at its best. Closer "He Vanished" however, is a totally different animal altogether. A slow waltz with lyrics in tribute to a fallen friend delivered in a Lou Reed speak-sing, it is my favorite Mark Mulcahy song, and one of my favorite of the 2000s. If you only buy one album by Mark, let it be this one. But you'll want more than just this.

Mezzotint/2005

Graham Coxon – The Golden D

Graham Coxon – The Golden D

By

Jesse E. Mullen

Probably his best solo album. The instrumental "Lake" is mind melting psychedelia, while "Jamie Thomas," "Fags and Failure," and the two MoB covers show Coxon at his noisy post-punk best. Graham plays all of the instruments, produces and paints the cover artwork with a (messy) focus and passion - not entirely a contradiction in this case. A resounding success all around. Highly recommended.

Transcopic/EMI/2000

Ringo Deathstarr – God’s Dream

Ringo Deathstarr – God’s Dream

By

Jesse E. Mullen

Powerful shoegazing release with a post-punk edge. You can tell from the photo of Alex with the rifle just what you are getting into here. "Flower Power" is almost industrial at the start, but shifts to a much more pastoral bridge section later on. The entire album is this thrilling and beautiful; “Shut Your Eyes” is simply otherworldly, with the gentle vocals of Alex and Elliott melting into the guitars. The title track is equal parts noise and melody with a fuzz section towards the end, and a throbbing bassline. But Alex’s melodic vocals give the tune its emotional resonance.  Highly recommended.

Noyes Records/2013