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Post by ChrisB on Dec 1, 2023 9:34:34 GMT
December (1) 2023: John J. Presley - Chaos and Calypso (2023)
 Chaos and Calypso was released in October this year and is the second album by John J. Presley. As for the title, there is organised chaos here but, try as I might, I can't detect a single sliver of calypso, which is a good thing in my mind. You'll have to go elsewhere if that's what you're looking for, as I don't think this record could get much further from that type of music. It's pretty dark and moody. His voice has been described as being "a rumble like God rearranging the furniture". The compositions are pretty sparse and brooding. There are moments where the sparse brooding stuff gets swamped by massive dynamic changes and some of that chaos. I can't think of anything else like it. Perhaps Nick Cave might be the nearest thing.
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Post by MartinT on Dec 1, 2023 9:50:26 GMT
Interesting that, as you described it, I thought 'like Nick Cave' before I got to the bottom of your piece.
Thanks for the AC, he's a complete unknown to me and I shall enjoy my first listen.
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Post by ChrisB on Dec 1, 2023 10:31:03 GMT
...and I shall enjoy my first listen. Be careful, now! |
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Post by Barrington on Dec 1, 2023 10:37:46 GMT
30 seconds in , it's Nick Cave ain't it  |
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Post by Slinger on Dec 1, 2023 15:06:19 GMT
30 seconds in , it's Nick Cave ain't it He's English. Born in Walsall, moved to London, now working out of Brighton. He's played guitar for Smoke Fairies, and supported Seasick Steve, and Mark Lanegan. Additional vocals on this album come from Laura-Mary Carter of Blood Red Shoes. Presley plays guitar, bass and pedal steel on the album. |
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Post by Barrington on Dec 6, 2023 12:11:33 GMT
Yep not bad this , played it three times and added to Qobuz favourites . 4/5
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Post by Tim on Dec 6, 2023 12:19:35 GMT
I wouldn't necessarily say Nick Cave . . . in the same ball park vocally maybe, but musically, not so much. More like a deranged Zappa meets Cave and Waits at a party, with a nice dose of LSD to get everything started. It's good though 
EDIT: Actually no . . . . it's very good.
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Post by Tim on Dec 6, 2023 12:52:28 GMT
...and I shall enjoy my first listen. I bet he doesn't  |
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Post by ChrisB on Dec 6, 2023 16:22:41 GMT
Your mention of Frankie Z will have killed that thought stone dead!
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Post by MartinT on Dec 6, 2023 20:53:07 GMT
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Post by MartinT on Dec 6, 2023 20:59:52 GMT
Who's the female singing in Sinnerman? I like her voice.
EDIT: it's Danielle Presley, his wife, or it could be Laura-Mary Carter. Both listed as vocals on that track. As there is no other track featuring that voice, I'm gunning for Laura-Mary Carter.
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Post by MartinT on Dec 6, 2023 21:10:14 GMT
This is excellent. The best track could be Delicate Thread (Blue Eyes), and I like the vocal in Sinnerman, but it's all good really. 4/5.
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Post by MikeMusic on Dec 6, 2023 21:32:22 GMT
This is a nice surprise
Lots of lovely noise
I'll be back
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Post by Tim on Dec 7, 2023 9:34:13 GMT
Your mention of Frankie Z will have killed that thought stone dead! Well, I've played it twice - it's an easy 5 for me. Love it |
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Post by ajski2fly on Dec 7, 2023 10:53:03 GMT
As you say Chris a dark and moody set of songs, but all rather good, I think there is a reference to Calypso in 'Delicate Thread', as for chaos that's throughout the album. He certainly reminds me of Nick Cave or even a brooding Lou Reed. If he gets the right breaks then he could become a big artist IMHO, although he might have to lighten up a bit.
So a firm 5/5 from me and added to my Qobuz listening, I might be tempted to get it on LP. Thanks for the AC listing.
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Post by petea on Dec 7, 2023 15:38:13 GMT
I thoroughly enjoyed that, Chris and will check out his other works. A 5 from me too.
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Post by John on Dec 7, 2023 17:00:05 GMT
I am enjoying this
At present a 4 but could go up to a 5
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Post by MikeMusic on Dec 7, 2023 17:16:27 GMT
Same here
Certainly a 4, maybe a 5
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Post by MartinT on Dec 9, 2023 10:59:17 GMT
It's an amazing album. The initial temptation is to think it roughly recorded, but it's really well crafted with the rawness and texture coming through fabulously, for instance the extreme fuzz in The Sequel. All the tracks are worthy but Sinnerman remains a favourite because of those backing vocals.
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Post by MikeMusic on Dec 9, 2023 12:11:12 GMT
A serious album
5/5
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