Green Pajamas - "This Is Where We Disappear"
(Woronzow Records 2001, WOO 49)
Green Pajamas - "This Is Where We Disappear"
(Woronzow Records 2001, WOO 49)
From Aural Innovations #19 (April 2002)
These guys (and gal), centered around the original founding duo of vocalist/guitarist Jeff Kelly and bassist Joe Ross, have been around on and off for close to 20 years now, and over the years have created some of the most lovely jangling psych pop to emerge since the heyday of the LA paisley underground of the early 1980s. Their albums have always been exceptional, and as they have continued to hone their craft over the years they have just gotten better. This new one - their 11th full length release if one includes an early self released cassettes - is about as perfect a record as anyone could ask for. A truly immaculate blend of fuzzed out guitars, acoustic and piano led ballads, and just plain great songs that are often catchy as all get out. The sequencing masterfully balances the more uptempo tracks (the title track is especially catchy!) with the downbeat and contemplative ("Softly, Elizabeth"), and the production is spot on throughout. The only contemporaries that I can think of that are on par with the guys are Olivia Tremor Control, and while the Pajamas play it a little more straight they are no less awesome. About the only thing I could ask for would be a few more vocals by Laura Vanderpool - "Downslide", the one track she sings, is pretty darned lovely. Really though, it's hard to fault this record on any level at all. Anyone who digs psychedelic pop music, old or new, should check this band out at their soonest possible convenience. My suggestion would be to start with this one.
For more information you can visit the Woronzow Records web site at: http://www.woronzow.co.uk/.
Reviewed by Brian Faulkner