Jul 01 2008
Portastatic - Be Still Please
- Artist: Portastatic
- Album: Be Still Please
- Label: Merge
- Release: 2006
- Links: Official Site
Mac McCaughan’s (Superchunk) Portastatic takes a step forward with its ninth full length, Be Still Please. Violin contributions from Margaret White and Laura Thomas and flourishes of oboe from Garrie Shull bring an orchestral vibe to the album that often recalls Nick Drake. Although several of its songs are similar in tone to the rocking Bright Ideas (2005), Be Still Please possesses a heavier heart and is far more focused.
Be Still Please is worth hearing simply for its lead cut, “Sour Shores.” This song was one of the best singles I heard all of last year. The song is serious, catchy, beautiful, and contains some extremely thoughtful lyrics. The whole album drips of bittersweet nostalgia (a quality I enjoy), but refrains from being too cheesy. Elsewhere, “I’m In Love (With Arthur Dove)” and the incredibly bitter “You Blanks” are power-pop gems that equal anything on Bright Ideas.
“Sweetness And Light” is a semi-letdown because it starts out with a gorgeous arrangement, but the bulk of the song doesn’t exactly pay off. The album is very consistent though and McCaughan’s voice sounds great. Don’t sleep on “Song For A Clock,” the album’s closer, another key gem. Be Still Please is McCaughan in top form. It is an endlessly charming record that didn’t get quite enough love upon its release last year.
(1/25/07)