“
It would have a touch of the Belle and Sebastian’s about it if it weren’t so quiet.
”
“
It would have a touch of the Belle and Sebastian’s about it if it weren’t so quiet.
”
We all like to listen to music at home, that’s why we buy most of it after all but I really like to listen to music whilst I’m travelling. Especially on the bus to work, that’s one of my favourite times to listen to music and there are a few albums that I will only listen to whilst wandering around outside in the fresh air. He Poos Clouds is one of them.
This is chamber music. I don’t have a chamber. I doubt you do either. (I’m sure Richard has one, though.) I do have a shed, but to be honest He Poos Clouds sounded a bit weird in there so I strapped on the walkman and went to the beach. Now admittedly, everyone can’t do this but I’m lucky enough to have the North Sea barely a few miles to the West of my house so I went for a wander.
It’s weird but I often find that the most intimate music sounds best when listened to through headphones in the open air. At the same time I think the most anthemic rock music sounds best when you’re in the bathroom getting ready for a big night out. (Everlong by the Foo Fighters does nicely.)
He Poos Clouds is intimate. In fact, it’s almost whispered to you. Owen Pallett’s vocals are wispy to say the least. To be honest, he pretty much mumbles his way through the entire album, which is why this sounds best over headphones, when it’s right in your ear, close and personal. It would have a touch of the Belle and Sebastian’s about it if it weren’t so quiet. Musically, however, it’s a lush piece of work.
He Poos Clouds may have a joky title, but being based around Pallett’s violin, it commands your attention and immediately forces you to take it seriously. Only occasionally, like during the screaming background vocals of Many Lives -> 49MP, does it break its serious tone, and only then for a brief second. Classy arrangements, too intricate and complicated for a pleb like me to decipher for you in a few words I suggest you just get a hold of this album, slap it on your walkman and go for a walk. Go to the beach, go to the park, or go to your local art museum and stare at carved marble for a bit. Make your day better, listen to He Poos Clouds. Your trip to work will be a little more interesting if nothing else. After all, any album that gives reference to a Pooka deserves a chance, even if there’s an ‘h’ missing.
Words: Damian Leslie