Sunday, February 12, 2012

Jim O'Rourke - The Visitor (2009)


Jim O'Rourke is best known for his efforts as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and collaborator. Amongst his impressively vast credits and catalog, there is not one particular genre that he has been exclusive to (though he certainly has a slew of avant-garde noise and jazz endeavors). O'Rourke was also a member of Loose Fur with Jeff Tweedy and Glen Kotche of Wilco, as well as Sonic Youth from 2002-2005. Depending on which O'Rourke record you are listening to, you may hear his formidable voice, or he may not make a peep. In this case, he will not be heard in singer/songwriter mode during your acquaintanceship with The Visitor.  

The Visitor is a sombre, yet dreamy 38 minutes of piano, clarinet, banjo, organ, cello, harmonica, drums, and a number of incomparable guitars.