Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros - "Here" (2012)

  

Sometimes you just want to be taken care of, wrapped up in cotton and let all worries float away into the distance. At least I feel that way in moments when I feel really sorry for myself and nobody, absolutely nobody, cares for me. Then I can let Here spin the turntable and it immediately feels better.

Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zero is a collectivistic band formed in 2007 in Los Angeles, consists of a dozen people and is led by singer Alex Elbert. Alex is a former member of the band Ima Robot. Here is their second album of three so far. The band's music has a distinct touch of the 60's and 70's hippie music, with a slightly more modern sound. Hippie music may here be defined as psychedelic folk with elements of gospel and other cool stuff. I discovered the band through their first album Up From Below which I have on CD. Some of you have probably heard the song Home from that album.

Here is equal to their debut album and a logical continuation. Both albums have the quality to contain some really beautiful creations mixed with some a little more dull. Favorites on Here is the opening track Burning Man and side A’s closing number Mayla, also the whole album’s highlight. If you listen to that song one can’t feel depressed, wrapped in cotton as you get. Jade Castrinos also contributes with vocals on some songs which make them duets. The B-side is really good all the way through and with a higher lowest level but without side A’s clear peaks.

Edward Sharpe ... seems to be a relaxed bunch of people who are surely nice to hang out with. I have "liked" their Facebook page and therefore regularly receive beautiful and positive messages from them. This is reflected in the music. Sure, you recognize some stuff in the music from past decades, but which band doesn’t re-use ideas from earlier and/or other artists? A visit with to the band and this album is recommended.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Man On Fire 4:19

2. That's What's Up 3:52

3. I Don't Wanna Pray 3:27

4. Mayla 5:43

Side B

1. Dear Believer 4:47

2. Child 3:10

3. One Love To Another 3:32

4. Fiya Wata 4:13

5. All Wash Out 4:41