“Pretty Stare” probably ranks as the best Mike Hudson (the Pagans) impression ever captured on tape. Being from a burnt out Midwestern town, though, probably has a bit to do with that. And while front-man-Tim keeps himself busy with work in the arts and garnering high profile grants, there’s still got to be a pervasive sinking feeling as a result of walking around Detroit. The last time I was there – all of a week or two back – a friend went looking for a liquor store and found two a block apart. That doesn’t point to total obsolescence as a city. In fact, that might point to the solubility of business in the area. Either way, though, the only other places such a feat as this might be accomplished would be Oakland or some other environs dudes with tight jean shorts move to after living in their parent’s basement in order to finish their record.
That aside, aside, Timmy’s Organism turned in a surprisingly varied album with Sacred Bones release of 2010’s Rise of the Green Gorilla. Apart from the fact that “Building the Friend-Ship” is a ridiculously amusing title for a song, the composition also makes it into minimal pop territory with a piano plinking out a basic melody and a supplemental, faux flute line. Used as rhythmic accompaniment, the drum machine doesn’t do too poorly and actually works towards making the entire thing something of a surprise success. Who would have guessed that next to some retard-o punk tracks, something like this would have worked. “Building the Friend-Ship” actually sounds like what you wanted the next Ducktails’ album to sound like – but it didn’t.
Even the most dour moments on Green Gorilla easily out strip most of what folks figure for the proper and newest moment of the garage revival. The music concrete that counts as “Silver Mountain” won’t please everyone, but the composition points to Timmy’s desire to give just about anything a try. The song’s not a bummer, but lacks a propulsive quality most of the disc relies. It’s all boss sounds, though. Go and cop.