Art Bears - Winter Songs CD

SKU 21-RER AB2
Dagmar Krause-vocals
Chris Cutler-drums, electronics
Fred Frith-guitars, keyboards, violin, etc.
This was the 2nd and possibly most successful of the three albums by this immediate offshoot of Henry Cow, as it was recorded AS an Art Bears album (their 1st had been recorded as a Henry Cow album, but half the band objected, so it came out as being by Art Bears).
It’s also their best known album as it was released in the States by The Residents' Ralph label, in the early 80's and at the peak of their market influence at that time.
Songs with powerful lyrics built upon experimental kernels. This is many folks' favorite of their three.

"Winter Songs...offers an even stronger, clearer set of artistic visions. Here the trio of ART BEARS stand alone, and the stripped- down sense of instrumentation, which almost resembles a standard combo (guitar, bass, piano, drums and singing), makes a simpler (though more poignant) musical statement. Often Fred Frith's penchant for angular melodies is forestalled, and re-placed with single note, "non-melodies" in a sort of minimalist, rhythmic accordance to the text's settings. Experimental studio work and effects abound, yet the sound is more economical and hard-hitting than the band's earlier work."
  • LabelReR
  • UPC752725017824
Your Price $15.00
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating

It is September 17, 2016 as I write this. This is still a five-star disc, but I have seen the video for "Sunshine" by Bent Knee (who are now on Cuneiform!) and that is now the most intense pop song ever done. Also the best video. Also the best vocal performance. The last forty seconds or so, where the music builds up and Courtney's voice comes in for the last time is the highest point I've ever seen a piece of music reach. Ever. I never imagined a human voice could release such anger/horror/anguish. But she does.-T.A.
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Fred Frith, Chris Cutler and Dagmar Krause have produced a large body of work, either singly or with each other, and I've heard a lot of it. It all has great intensity, but this is the most intense music they've produced (that's saying something). Almost minimalist, with great studio embellishments and atmosphere, yet you could imagine these pieces being played live. And "Winter Songs" is a good title - bleak, but with an icy dangerous beauty of some sort. Very different, but not strange, if you can handle Dagmar's voice. Exception: "Rats and Monkeys", the most intense song on their most intense album, the most intense three minute pop song ever done, period. Post your own review if you don't agree. -T.A.
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