Search - Spanish Fly :: Rags to Britches

Beautiful, unique, uncategorizable

12/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The product of some happy accidents, "Rags to Britches" has become an all-time favorite record. There are no words that quite capture the beautiful synthesis of slide guitar, trumpet, and tuba on this record. There is one guarantee, though -- with the help of producer Hal Willner, Spanish Fly has created music and sound unlike anything you have ever heard, or likely ever will hear anywhere else. Fly is a gumbo of American musical idioms, interpreted by three extremely innovative players, each of whom has changed forever the way we hear his instrument. Most notable (in this listener's opinion)is the work of David Tronzo, whose ear and hands have deconstructed and rebuilt the slide guitar into an instrument of infinite colorations, broad dynamism, and white-hot fury. And with an instrument so cliched and played out, this is no small feat.But just as critical to the mix are Steven Bernstein and Marcus Rojas, each of whom bring virtuosic technique and priceless playfulness to this record, with results that are true musical innovation.This record can be enjoyed from multiple musical vantage points or biases, as long as the mind is open. Take a chance on it -- you won't regret it."

Pulsating!

12/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A really wonderful record. More people need to hear this group. I think they are great. The minimalistic attitude taken by Spanish Fly is not innovative but the quirky seriousness and strange sounds certainly are. Noise is a common ground visited by the musicians yet sparse enough to be a really nice use of that language rather than just a scream of jibberish. Very emotionally American."