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There is something inherent in the Scottish psyche that leans towards melancholy. We're only really happy when we're miserable. This could be the long-term effect of living on a windswept northern country, constantly fighting the conditions and the threat of foreign invasion or just the sad aftermath of years of supporting teams who constantly 'get gubbed' on an international stage.
Either way, there's nothing we like as much as a sad song. Well we're in for a treat. "Old Numbers" by the brilliantly named Ashtray Hearts is a veritable feast of the sombre.
This relatively new band, formed in 2000 as a 3 piece but subsequently expanded to 6 (and named after a Captain Beefheart song, if you were wondering) have coined the phrase 'apartment music' to describe this form of "happily miserable" music.
The lyrics are a brilliant mix of sad and upsetting with lines like
"Why are you smiling/When you say you're sad and broken" from the track "Southern Wedding"
(Don't look for 'happy' - it ain't there) The magic of this album is how they have taken a set of complex and dark lyrics and mixed them with an array of minor key songs and managed to produce a record that is strangely uplifting.
The musicianship is first rate, with everyone obviously playing well within themselves. A good example is track 3 "The One You're Closest To" where at a point where self indulgence could run riot, you get a beautifully understated (short) guitar solo - it's lovely. And if you're wondering what a trumpet is doing in a country band, just listen - it's used sparingly and exceptionally effectively.
Another strength is the singing of lead vocalist Don Richmond who is superbly pained throughout.
It's not the sort of CD to put on at a party but in case you're still wondering - I loved it. I'll stay "happily miserable" with the Ashtray Hearts anytime. So finally, Ashtray Hearts - no doubts!
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