Log in to add to your wishlist
A thematic album, "1/2" infuses equal portions straight-ahead rock, big-band samba, electronica, punk (real punk), odd-meter jazz and even a slice of zither music for those with a taste for the eclectic.
Genre:
Electronic: Pop Crossover
Release Date:
2003
Albums you will love
Birds Anonymous
The Linen Sessions EP
Rock: Rock & Roll
Half
Joseph Plessas
© Copyright-Joseph Plessas
(634479479625)
Record Label: Eyefat
No items available in your wishlist
"1/2" is inspired, in part, by the novella "Half" by MacEckney Shin. It concerns the misadventures of absurdist dissident/courier Max Fallon.
"Let's push an envelope, shake things up, commit random acts of absurdity - you don't live once. Most of the time, you only live half."
"1/2" runs the gamut of straight-up rock, electronica, big band samba, and pure power punk pop. Over the span of 15 songs, Plessas explores a theme of truly living when living simply, honestly, and humorously. The following four songs represent a cross-section of the highly eclectic album. "Butterfly Knife" is airy, yet driven. This cerebral and textured piece deals with personal power through the gift of speech, along with its benefits and consequences. Odd-metered and damply produced, "Ergonomic Self" is a mantric song examining PTSD and efforts to reform one's self to survive. The straight-ahead ska-punk of "Fridays" discusses how weekends have virtually disappeared and "Golden Goose" is an upbeat jam with a "Philly-sound" that takes a look at relationships from a Grimm Brothers point of view. "If you wanna come along, just hang on."
Recorded entirely by Plessas in the early months of 2003, "1/2" utilizes the wonder of digital multitracking, yet retains a simplistic philosophy of input to achieve a more personal sound. Some of the unique instrumentation used on the album include an ARP Odyssey and Joe's beloved collection of organs: the Hammond Piper and S6 and the all-tube Silvertone chord organ.
Joe Plessas gained attention and acclaim as the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for The Bedouins for seven years. Their 1993 release featured an eclectic collection of music and was well received by the Syracuse area media. The Syracuse Post Standard declared it to be "a diverse mixing of sounds, styles and feelings that sound fresh". The solo release of "Progmire Syndrome" in 1998 generated favorable reviews all around. The Mediator commented that Joe "attacks with righteous ferocity at time; coaxes with pleading passion at others". He managed to tone things down a bit for his most recent composition, though: the nuptial mass for his wedding in May 2003.
"Music is a very old creature that needs to be kept alive by continually pressing the limits and respecting the listener." - Joe Michael Plessas
Read more...
Thanks for your review
Thanks for reviewing this album! You should see it show up on the album page in a few days.
[CLOSE]
Original, irreverent and intriguing.
author: Mark Bialczak (Syracuse Post-Standard)
It's not often when some body's daring enough to combine hard rock, big band, power punk and electronica sounds in one place.
And on a concept album, yet.
That's what Joe Michael Plessas has done within his new disc "1/2." The former lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for Syracuse rockers The Bedouins has turned in a winding trip through the mind of his character Max Fallon. Inspired by the MacEackney Shin novella "Half," Plessas' work showcases a worldly, frolicking approach.
It's original, irreverent and intriguing.
"½" has 15 songs and runs 63:54.
Put it on when: A triumph is what you need. Over eclectic styles, over normal boundaries, over restrictive thinking.
(review from Syracuse Post-Standard - May 8, 2003)
Read more...