December 18, 2008
Nico Receives Year-End Love from New Yorker(s), Pitchfork
As you might have witnessed throughout the year, the Brassland roster had a hectic 2008 - The National toured with REM and Modest Mouse throughout June, Pela literally suffered for their art, and Baby Dayliner was busy being his sexy self. Amidst all this news, Brassland still managed to release a couple records, one being Nico Muhly's Mothertongue. With the holidays fast approaching and the year coming to a close, one prominent New York-based independent musician, one internet-based publication, and one quintessentially New York magazine are recognizing those efforts.
Big Apple resident Ed Droste (of Grizzly Bear fame) published his list of top ten albums from 2008 in various magazines such as Filter and Under the Radar. Perusing the list, we couldn't help but notice that he placed Mothertongue at Number 4, resting comfortably between Portishead and Final Fantasy. Obviously, it's difficut to argue with company like that. Many thanks, Ed.
While Pitchfork initially expressed ambivalence regarding Nico's Brassland debut, they were kind enough to include it in their Albums Of The Year: Honorable Mentions list. Described as "defiantly weird," the album manages to discard "the tightrope along with the safety net" while the music rests "suspended in the air by intensely personal will." Vivid and complimentary, it goes without saying that this apparent change of heart is more than welcomed.
In addition to garnering praise in pop music circles, Mothertongue caught the attention of the classical world. New Yorker critic Alex Ross placed Mothertongue among the honorable mentions (what is with all these honorable mentions?) in his List of Ten Best Classical-Music Recordings of 2008. While we had hoped for one of Ross's usual well-articulated, perceptive comments, the list - like Ed's - was strictly a list. What can we say? They're busy people, too.
More news will be posted as it's made available throughout the remainder of the year, so be sure to keep visiting regularly. Have a safe, happy holidays and remember to check out the Brassland Webstore for last-minute stocking stuffers, Chanukah presents, and Kwanzaa gifts. Take care.