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LP
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KRANK 144LP
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"The fourth Boduf Songs extended play was created using Mathew Sweet's standard recording set up of a single microphone and a small array of instruments, but it comes with a few surprises - most notably the prominence of electric guitar, bass and stomping drums on a few tracks. All of the elements that make his previous sound creations so arresting are still present; the impeccable song structures, the minimal approach, the delicate yet dominant singing. The album opens with the naked sound of the hammers of an old upright piano striking strings, an apt metaphor for the lyrical content which is just as raw and exposed. Mathew broadens his vocal approach here, exploring range and employing some unpredictable, well-placed harmonies. This Alone Above All Else In Spite Of Everything is effectively a concept record, and makes for a dramatic journey. Mat states 'There is a theme that runs through each song and the track order is paramount to that - it's a hugely important part of making a record work.' So pay attention." Gatefold sleeve.
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10"
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INRI 088EP
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"Bluesanct announces the fourth release in our art vinyl series will be Boduf Songs. Like it's predecessors, this will be a beautiful single, with an exclusive recording on one side, and a screenprinted image of the song on the other side, housed with a letterpressed sleeve. Boduf Songs is primarily the work of Mat Sweet, minstrels of misery from the United Kingdom. They have released three incredible albums on Kranky Records, as well a devastating EP on Southern Records as part of their special Latitudes series. Mat gave us an exclusive 12 minute epic entitled 'Inviolate Projection, Blood From Rome (Blankets)' which not only gives us the drones and hushed guitar they are known for, but also ventures into their (partially) suppressed doom underpinnings. The record is accompanied by gorgeous specially commissioned artwork by Norwegian artist, Johannes Hoie, whose apocalyptic scenes perfectly embody the yearning for the black sun that is Boduf Songs."
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CD
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KRANK 120CD
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"On his second full length release, Mathew Sweet uses the same formula that he has employed previously; one microphone, one acoustic guitar, a few random instruments, a couple of field recordings, and a deft, understated touch with the mixing process. He locked himself away in his home studio (to be honest, his bedroom) and no one else heard a single note until he was finished. This album is a further step away from the 'folk' label, which never seemed all that appropriate to Mathew's work in any case. If you record solo with an acoustic guitar, the description is somewhat inevitable. But the results might more rightly be construed as 'acoustic death metal' considering the themes of death, alienation, fear, hatred and isolation that are his forte, as well as his affinity for gothic imagery. Mathew states that the album was mostly recorded at night because there was less background noise to contend with in his neighborhood at that time of day. But if you listen closely, you can still hear small bits of rain hitting the window, and cars sliding by on wet roads. The final result is one of the most unassuming and engaging recordings of the year. It is intimate, extremely personal, and spectral in presence."
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CD
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KRANK 099CD
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"Mathew Sweet is an alchemist, having developed the powers to mysteriously transform a minimal palette of common musical elements into something extraordinary. While his work contains references to psychedelia and folk musics, it fits comfortably in neither category. His understated vocals are delivered not as declamation, but rather a muted invitation to listen to his tales of the failing human condition; a terrain of fallow fields, poisoned wells and doomed existence. All hail the messenger of truths. Lion Devours The Sun is the first full length release from UK resident Mathew Sweet following his self-titled Kranky debut EP released in the fall of 2005. It was recorded at home with a 4-track and a single microphone, using acoustic guitar and voice along with well placed touches of a cymbal-playing monkey, some bricks, an e-bowed autoharp, a homemade gramophone, and daggers."
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CD
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KRANK 085CD
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"Boduf Songs is Mat Sweet, who lives in Southampton, England. He recorded some songs for Kranky as demos in early 2005 at home with an acoustic guitar, some cymbals, violin bow, toy piano, manipulated field recordings and a computer. With less than ideal equipment and under less than ideal conditions, he created songs with memorable melodies, artful arrangements and carefully placed effects that lend an air of surrealism to the album. Deceptively low key, Boduf Songs skirts between singer-songwriter, psychedelic, home recorder and folk modes, bringing an obtuse, angular minimalism to these forms. Listening to this music visions of a beautiful spring day in an English meadow come to mind."
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