The Bells
Hit It! Records
The Bells create pop music. Pop
music on a grand scale. Pop music that is
serious, satirical, lush, romantic, sad,
ecstatic, hopeful and relaxed. Like a
teen grown into an adult, the work of
leader Chris Connelly has
realized a strong and satisfied level, leaving
behind desperation and melancholy as the
driving points of emotional song
writing. This exuberant new album by a
critically acclaimed song writer, the
aforementioned Connelly, possesses the
warmth, serenity, imagination and sense
of insight that we all strive for in
dealing with everyday life whether it is
in a state of upheaval, mediocrity or
bliss. The album is an accumulation of
songs recorded over a period of two
years in various studios and with three
contributing musicians all done with
Connelly. The players of these
songs are Chris Bruce (former guitarist for Seal),
Jim O'Rourke (Gastr del Sol, the Red Krayola) and Bill Rieflin
(Ministry,
Krist Noveselic's Sweet 75). The
process of the slow and mobile recording of this album was an intentional effort by Chris
Connelly to gradually expound upon
songs and ideas related to how they should be played, and to never put the music on a
pedestal as an intense and exasperating
effort. The outcome of the project is a
majestic landscape with the Scottish
born singer coming forth with an
impeccable blend of 20 years of
americana styled pop much in the vein of
great songwriter balladeers such as
Lennon, Jeff Buckley, Chris Bell,
Nick Cave, Mark Eitzel, The Tindersticks
and
Nick Drake.
With several introspective solo releases
under his belt, Chris Connelly
has turned away from his industrial
machinations as the former singer for
Ministry and the Revolting
Cocks, and has naturally progressed into the world of melodica and experimentation in a
much more subtle sense. Aside from this
newest effort, Chris Connelly has
been creating captivating, intelligent pop
for nearly a decade, his last release,
nearly four years ago was "Shipwreck"
(given a four star review in Rolling
Stone and much critical acclaim).
Breaking from his predominately
industrial/techno label of Wax
Trax!/TVT
and releasing this new body of work on
the Chicago Indie Hit It!,
Chris with The
Bells will reach the audience more
appreciative of his music beyond latex
and metal.
On his industrio-past: "When I joined
Ministry/Revolting Cocks camp
back in 86 (my god!), the reason I was so excited by it was because they, along with the Adrian Sherwood/On-U Sounds crowd were practically the only musicians and
technicians seriously expanding
boundaries and breaking new ground.
Ministry and the Cocks had
shirked all the apparent pomposity of their peers, and had replaced it with a wicked and
dark sense of humour- they never seemed
to take themselves too seriously. This
was a time, in my opinion, both
absolutely ridiculous and rather
ingenious. It was not to last, but
that's good, like an amazing summer
holiday with friends after a chance
meeting, the summer ends, you develop
your pictures, and get on with the next
thing, pulling them out every so often
for curious guests.
On his more recent past, present and
future: "I began exploring melody.
Lyricism to me goes hand in hand with
melody. This combination can melt
hearts, produce laughter an make someone
who feels weak become a god for a little
while, at least that's how it effects
me." The transition in music lead to
traces of unsettling despair stopping me
from realizing my own strength.
Thus comes the new record, new moniker
and not so new outlook. The name "The
Bells" comes from the Albert
Ayler song, the Lou Reed album and what goes around Chris' pet goats neck. In a truly unique
vocal style lyrics come alive amongst
the vastly sprawling musicianship with
each song paying homage to all that make
up true American pop songs. The
"Ultimate Seaside Companion" is a
children's guidebook to the treasures of
the sea, a pair of binoculars and a beautiful woman.
last updated:
11/30/01
Similar Artists:
Talking Heads, R.E.M., David Bowie
Other Suggestions:
The Soft Boys,
Yuji Oniki,
Magnapop,
Interpol,
Blue Aeroplanes,
Ex Models,
Sparks,
Menthol,
The Wild Stares
