I refuse to open up with segment with some boring, trite recitation about the controversy surrounding Boyd Rice's behavior, political ethics, or aesthetic choices. There is no mystery about what he has to say and to explore them in writing, at least superficially, is pointless.
With that said, Boyd Rice, over several different projects and collaborations, has produced a massive amount of sonic work over the years. These next 10, in no particular order, are my personal favorites.
This album, a collaborative work between Rice and Strawberry Switchblade singer Rose McDowall, is a total novelty record. Unlike most novelty records, however, this one is still funny after repeated listens. It's a series of played-straight covers of 50's and 60's pop music with the lyrics changed to include references to suicide, hell, and death. I mean, who doesn't want to hear "Johnny Remember Me" covered by a new-wave singer and some weird misanthropist?
NON- Back To Mono
The latest album by Rice's most known project is a beautifully produced album of shifting, dynamic sound. It's worth noting that Rice is an excellent sampler. On this records he pulls from everything from 60's girl groups to war sounds to speeches by cult figures. Brilliant.
The Boyd Rice Experience- Hatesville
A decidedly retro sounding album, Hatesville is a hilarious mixture of spoken word, noise, and lounge music. It captures Rice's bizarre, early 60's space-age meets black social-darwinist aesthetic. Choice guest appearances by the likes of Joel Haertling and Shaun Partridge round out the album's sound with their own rambling wittiness. In my mind, this is a more vicious contemporary to Ian Svenonius' Play Power album, basically a comedy album.
NON- God and Beast
This is the heaviest, if not the harshest, material from NON. Rice really seems to want to impart some sort of wisdom on the listener. That statement of intent is always heavy, regardless of the message. The music itself is punishing and bleak looping walls of sound. Daunting.
Death In June & Boyd Rice- Alarm Agents
Neo-folk legends Death in June have collaborated with Boyd Rice on a number of occasions and it's really not hard to see why. Both have an obsession with the darker side of history. Whether or not DIJ embrace it to the extent of Rice is debatable, but nevertheless, they work well together. On this album, DIJ bring Rice into their world of masks and symbolism, with Rice's spoken word sounding more cryptic and mystical than ever.
NON- Rise
This 12" single, released in 1982, is a part of the early vanguard of industrial music. This release would go on to be heralded by the likes of Moby and Marilyn Manson. Totally worth a listen.
Boyd Rice/Frank Tovey- Easy Listening For The Hard of Hearing
This LP, a collaboration between Rice and Frank Tovey, a.k.a. Fad Gadget, is an exercise in musical minimalism. Surprisingly understated for both men.
Boyd Rice- The Black Album
The record that started contemporary noise and Boyd's career. Not bad for a prank. It plays on any speed.
NON- Children Of The Black Sun
This release is pure ambiance, an uncharacteristic sound for NON. Unfortunately, it went relatively unnoticed. It's definitely worthy of more attention.
Boyd Rice and Friends- Music, Martinis, and Misanthropy
Music, Martinis and Misanthropy is a sister record to Hatesville, a calm excursion into spoken word, lounge, and neofolk. The role call for this album is simply massive. Douglas P., Tony Wakeford, Michael Moynihan, the list goes on. This album is perhaps best known for producing the song "People," a biting neofolk song demanding the return of Vlad The Impaler, Genghis Khan, Diocletian, and other dictators.
Check it out!
No comments:
Post a Comment