The Horseflies - Human Fly (LP) (1987) - €10,00

The Horse Flies are an American alternative rock/folk band, founded in the late 1970s in Ithaca, NY under the name 'Tompkins County Horseflies' by husband and wife Jeff Claus and Judy Hyman, Richie Stearns and John Hayward.

The four original members of the Horse Flies emerged from the old-time music scene and, in collaboration with percussionist Taki Masuko and keyboardist/accordionist Peter Dodge, would develop their unique sound by twining old-time fiddle tunes with modern art/alt rock influences and world folk music traditions.

Human Fly is an evocative record that turns traditional country inside out. Though it is very apparent that the group has listened and absorbed old-time country and bluegrass, the intent seems to be to win over a modern young audience that is open to the possibilities of adding modern electronic sounds to the mix. Electronic means not electric guitars, but instrumentation such as processed banjo-uke and emulator. 

"I Live Where It's Gray" is possibly the most unusual and eccentric song, and definitely the most hypnotic. Resembling a disco outtake with banjo-uke instrumentation, and complete with a whip-like sounding beat and existential lyrics, the repetitive nature of the music and the rather obscure lyrical content (e.g. "I've got legs as white as priests', I live where it's gray") draws in the listener. 

Also along similar lines with unusual lyrics but without the disco beat are "Human Fly" and "Who Throwed Lye On My Dog." 

The group remains closer to the roots of old old-time country with their interpretations of two traditional songs, "Jenny on the Railroad" and "Cornbread." 

The technical prowess of fiddle player Judy Hyman is particularly impressive and definitely worth noting. The only time the album falters somewhat is on the last number "Blueman's Daughter." The problem is that the song is too close to lifeless country-rock, something unexpected from a group that is so intent on experimentation. 

Mostly, though, the album evokes admiration for the band, for the risks they've taken to evolve a new sound and stake claim in new musical territory, while still respecting their roots. 

 

Side A  (The Spider Ate My Husband)

A1.  Human Fly - 5:33

A2.  Hush Little Baby - 4:32

A3.  Jenny In The Railroad - 2:48

A4.  Rub Alcohol Blues - 4:50

A5.  Cornbread - 1:53

Side B (Legs As White As Priests)

B1.  Who Throwed Lye On My Dog - 5:27

B2.  I Live Where It’s Gray - 7:50

B3.  Link Of Chain - 2:33

B4.  Blueman’s Daughter - 3:48

Companies, etc.

• Recorded By – Airborn Productions
• Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Rounder Records Corp.
• Copyright © – Rounder Records Corp.
• Pressed By – Wakefield Manufacturing – 47317
• Published By – Happy Valley Music
• Recorded At – Sounds Interchange
• Mastered At – Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs

Credits

• Banjo – Rich Stearns
• Bass – John Hayward 
• Cover – Sandra Stark 
• Cover [Technical Assistance] – Mark Harter
• Design – Joanna Bodenweber
• Engineer [Second] – Michael Carmen Kelly
• Fiddle – Judy Hyman
• Guitar, Banjo [Processed Banjo-uke], Synthesizer – Jeff Claus
• Lacquer Cut By – ¢
• Photography By – Carrie Stearns
• Producer, Percussion – Bill Usher
• Programmed By [MacIntosh] – George Axon, Jamie Sulek
• Recorded By, Mixed By – Kevin Doyle
• Synthesizer, Other [Emulator] – Brent Barkman (tracks: A1,A2,B1,B4)

Notes

Release:  1987

Format:  LP

Genre:  Folk Pop, Contemporary Folk

Label:  Rounder Records

Catalog#  0239

Vinyl:  Excellent

Cover:  Excellent

Prijs: €10,00