Minus 5 - Killingsworth
The Minus 5 release their umpteenth album, Killingsworth, and in true Minus 5 tradition, have got a whole host of talent to add their skills to this latest release. John Moen from the Decemberists, Little Sue and the Shee Bee Gees adding the much needed twist of female vocals and as always Peter Buck from REM playing both 6 and 12 string guitars. But ultimately, The Minus 5 is part time REM player, Scott McCaughey’s baby. Which does lend to the thought this album is more a jamming session with friends rather than a genuine release.
So let’s eavesdrop on the jamming session and see if this overflowing barrel load of talent can produce an album that it deserves. For starters it is clear from the opening track 'Dark Hand of Contagion' that from the soft counting in that this is not going to rock the pants of you. There are plenty of different tempos, which the second track 'The Long Hall' proves, with its upbeat tune.
The songs may still have their heart stuck in the 60’s with a country and bluesy feel to them but they are enjoyable enough and plenty of the 14 tracks would be perfect to chill out too. Particularly the ones which do have the joint female vocals on them like 'It Won’t Do You Any Good', 'Scott Walker’s Fault' and 'Vintage Violet'. The Shee Bee Gees and Scott McCaughey compliment each other perfectly. The musicians are obviously of the highest calibre too, so why is it this album just does not hit home? Maybe it is partly due to the heavy influence of acoustic guitars throughout. I know The Minus 5 have a reputation for doing something different on each album but Killingsworth is screaming out for a bit more than acoustic and the occasional slide guitar in the background.
Two of the best songs come in the second half of the album, with the serious subject of 'Big Beat Up Moon' a song that many a singer songwriter wish they had written. 'I Would Rather Sacrifice You' is more fun and playful and the harmonies of the vocals hit near perfection. Sadly these two songs are in the minority.