Oxbow: King of the Jews (Reissue) (Hydra Head, 5/10/11)
Oxbow: “Daughter”
[audio:https://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/01-Daughter.mp3|titles=Oxbow: “Daughter”]With his band Oxbow, Eugene S. Robinson has become known for his simple, primal lyrics howled over increasingly complex arrangements, and for his fearsome live performances. The band’s most recent studio album, The Narcotic Story, was released in 2007. More recently, its second full-length, King of the Jews (released way back in ’91), was reissued this year on Hydra Head. Though the band’s avant-punk music is aggressive, and Robinson’s vocals powerful and howling, even they need dial things back and unwind with a little quietude once in a while.
Music to Put the Gun Down to
The world is sometimes a hectic place. People running back and forth, screaming, diving under cars. All of this modern hubbub and these frenetic and shouted cries to “put the gun down” will sometimes just drive you crazy. And so, as a tonic or a salve to the savage soul, Oxbow’s Eugene S. Robinson suggests 10 songs that go well with surrender. Enjoy.
1. Johnny Mathis: “Open Fire” from Open Fire, Two Guitars
Jesus Christ, this is just a great stocking-feet, throw-pillow paean to fine “bachelor” living. In front of a fireplace. With a glass of sherry.
2. Johnny Hartman: “The Day the World Stopped Turning” from The Voice That Is
Listened to this record once for a week straight. Without leaving the bed. That says it all.
3. Johnny Hartman: “A Slow Hot Wind” from The Voice That Is
Ditto.
4. Eartha Kitt: “Lazy Afternoon” from Miss Kitt, To You
When I die? I want this playing. Over the bullhorns.
5. Joy Division: “Day of the Lords” from Unknown Pleasures
“Where will it end?” In 4 minutes, 47 seconds, if you’re not dead first.
6. Arab Strap: “Pyjamas” from Elephant Shoe
Great song about the sucking end of relationships. Which is as good a time as any to take a nap.
7. Tindersticks: “Don’t Look Down” from Curtains
Apparently the Tindersticks in person are nothing like their quiet, contemplative crooning selves on stage. They jerk off in hotel rooms while watching porn and screaming at the TV. My idea of relaxing for sure.
8. Oxbow: “It’s the Giving Not the Taking” from The Narcotic Story
Sure…this is the band I am in. So what? Nothing says “take it easy” like a song you’ve already recorded that thematically has to do with escaping into the woods.
9. Untitled 1: “Labradford” from E Luxo So
Set this song on infinite loop, and you will forget everything.
10. Lydia Lynch: “Gloomy Sunday” from Queen of Siam
Not her song, but her cover of it is the definitive one for me.