Momus meets Comus

[imomus]

Comus are one of the lesser-known British folk groups of the early 70s. In stark contrast to the mild (and wonderful) hippy visions of, say, The Incredible String Band, Comus painted a dark and schizoid picture of life. They were championed by David Bowie early on, and may have influenced his 'Man Who Sold The World' album; tales of rape and murder abound on the first Comus album, 'First Utterance' (1971). Three years later came 'To Keep From Crying', a much lighter and more commercial affair which most observers seem to think is a disappointment (although I notice some Japanese magazines rate it higher than the debut). I haven't actually heard either record, just the mp3 I'm linking here, but will be buying the re-issued 'First Utterance' when I get to Japan later in the summer. From what I've heard, Comus sound rather like Marc Bolan in his early days, or even John Lydon circa PiL's 'Flowers of Romance' album. And I like their arrangement style -- only one electric instrument (the bass) and no drumkit.

* Chris Blackford essay on Comus: A Million Fleshy Things

* Andee Connors essay on Comus: Tempest in a Teapot

* A Comus mp3: Diana

* 'First Utterance' lyrics

'i', the new album from The Magnetic Fields is now out. Here's a promising sound clip, I Don't Believe You (courtesy Other Music. By the way, for those who've been asking, Other Music mail order is the recommended way to buy 'Summerisle' in the US).

Brooklyn's Animal Collective is an interesting group. Their new album 'Sung Tongs' comes out this week. Here's their mp3 Slippi.

Comments

[orlog.livejournal.com]

There has been a Comus cd reissue around in the US. I dont know if it was in Europe though. They really were amazing!!! It is so nice to see this posting from you about Comus. I have both albums and think both are very good. The second one is not as good as the first, but still not bad at all. The last song on First Utterance is quite wonderful about being institutionalized. Please post about your thoughts on the album when you do get it in Japan. Btw, just a little fun fact, Comus was a huge influence on the UK band Current 93. (Love em or hate em im kind of on the down side about them nowadays) They do a cover of Diana.

[klasensjo.livejournal.com]

Comus: Wow, these people are possessed.
Just like on "Summerisle", the vocal element works as an instrument. Great, but evil...

Comcussion

[(Anonymous)]

Yegods! I'd heard of Comus--but never heard Comus. Upon listening, my first reaction: is this Renaldo and the Loaf lost in the Dark Ages? Stunning.

[absolutelyfree.livejournal.com]

Comus are great.

[stanleylieber.livejournal.com]

I have to admit, when I saw the title 'Diana' I was not expecting a song about the goddess of the hunt.

[senators.livejournal.com]

the new magnetic fields is excellent. 'its only time' is my favorite.

Summerisle

[(Anonymous)]

Other Music doesn't have Summerisle in stock! They said that it's currently unavailable from their distributors, and to try back in a few weeks (!)

Re: Summerisle

[stanleylieber.livejournal.com]

** takes finger off "submit order" trigger.

Re: Summerisle

[niemandsrose.livejournal.com]

Try darla.com.

[imomus.livejournal.com]

Yes, try Darla. I know they initially ordered only 125 for the whole of the US, but hopefully they've got some more in by now.

[imomus.livejournal.com]

You could always order direct from Cherry Red in the UK:

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/baroque/momusannelaplantine.htm

£10.95 including postage to the US!

[(Anonymous)]

I bought the last one from the other music store yesterday--actually they said they were all sold out, but I found one mis-shelved in the Ennio Morricone section. Thanks Ennio. It's lovely, really lovely. By the way, have you seen this? It reads a bit like Summerisle outtakes:

http://www.ubu.com/ethno/poems/flower.html

Mo' comus

[(Anonymous)]

Here's another Comus song, in case anyone's interested:

http://prog.rema.ru/mp3/c/comus/1971_first_utterance/the_bite.mp3

Comus

[(Anonymous)]

Hello!
The two records are so different that you really wonder what happened between them. Myself I prefer the second one. Almost like a folksy Free Design, really cute folk-power-pop with the song in incredibly high pitch (which is always a good thing).

But I guess Momus, now in his avant garde phase, will prefer the first. Kahimi Karie fans, go for the second!

/Petter