classic albums, atsonicpark edition # 46: gastr del sol - upgrade and afterlife
 

GASTR DEL SOL "UPGRADE AND AFTERLIFE"
Drag City, 1996

I've talked enough about this album elsewhere so I'm not going to repeat myself. Just get it.

this is great, agreed.
i do prefer camoufleur though.
however the cover = epic win

F that Adam! Say SOMETHING about it?

Mostly fingerpicked acoustic with some drums here or there and some noise here or there and some weird and awesome ambient/electronic sounds here or there. It's David Grubbs (of Squirrel Bait and Bastro; trust me, this doesn't sound anything like those bands!) and Jim O'Rourke doing, in my mind, their best work.

A very quiet, minimal, subdued, lonely recording. Reminds me of John Fahey if he decided to drink robotussin instead of alcohol. Appropriately, it ends with a great rendition of a Fahey tune.

Also, if this means anything to anyone, it's Otomo Yoshihide's favorite record of all time or one of 'em at least.

k, thanks. Now I'm interested.

If it wasnt for those damn steel drums on camoufleur.. argh!

So weird I just bought this the other day. Great album.

haha, yes, amazing album. i own everything gastr del sol ever did except for 'the harp...', and i dont dislike anything by them, but this is a masterpiece.

someone needs to put visuals to 'our exquisite replica of "eternity"'
It's what it was made for.