25. The Music Tapes - Music Tapes for Clouds and Tornadoes
Julian Koster is known for being involved in several, if not most, bands of the Elephant 6 collective. However, The Music Tapes is the only band he fronts. The creativity and utterly bizarre songs of this album explain both why all those bands want him as well as why no one’s really heard of him. He songs are always on the verge of collapse, as funeral brass and plucked piano strings collide with poorly tuned guitars and singing saws. His surreal lyrics, belted usually at full-force by his cracking, wavering voice add to the confusing mash. Yet often, all these seemingly dissonent elements come together and make beautiful, but fragile songs. Even when things don’t completely come together, it’s never boring.
