There are guys who just love to tear things down -- say musical instruments, for example -- and rebuild them. There are also guys like
Mudboy who tear things down -- say electric organs and keyboards -- and find out they sound more interesting like that.
This Is Folk Music is the man's first "real" CD (he had previously released a number of CD-Rs, including this album).
Mudboy's music is probably too experimental for the vintage electronic crowd, but that's their loss, because much of this material sounds like
Tangerine Dream performing while possessed. Tracks like "Solitron Waves," "Sailing Song," and "Lost" consist of multiple intertwining keyboard motives with extra grit -- after all, these organs and keyboards have been gutted and retrofitted with all kinds of effects. They have a right to feel dirty and mean. Some pieces ("Running," "Dawn Treader") feature mallet percussion and found sounds; "Beirut Dance Party" is propelled by a beatbox. The organ is never far away, though, and
Mudboy succeeds in imposing his signature on the listener's psyche. Think of it as
Sagor & Swing as seen through the American underground folk prism: the music has the dreamy grace of the former, but the experimental "all things allowed" edge of the latter scene.
This Is Folk Music is a surprising album, with more melodies than you possibly expect. Despite its all-electronic nature, it does have an imaginary folk aura. Recommended.