Description
#75dollarbill #vinyl #vinylrecords
Berlin-based label Karlrecords has recently remastered and reissued the beloved album ‘Power Failures’ from New York City’s underground duo, 75 Dollar Bill. Comprised of percussionist Rick Brown and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Che Chen, the duo gained recognition with their acclaimed release ‘I Was Real’ in 2019. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, their plans for tours and collaborations were cut short, leading them to release unreleased material on Bandcamp. ‘Power Failures’, an assemblage of rehearsal jams, live recordings, and overdubs, was one of these lost era recordings that now receives a deluxe remaster and highly anticipated vinyl edition.
While the core of each track remains rooted in Brown’s spirited wooden box rhythms and Chen’s mesmerizing guitar playing, influenced by his studies with Mauritanian guitar master Jeich Ould Chigaly, the additional contributions from guest musicians bring a unique touch to the music. Collaborators such as Yo La Tengo’s Ira Kaplan, violinist Sue Gardner, and Buchla player Yasi Perera enrich the album’s texture and overall sound. One standout track, ‘Power Failure #2′, showcases a loose groove crafted by Brown and Chen, allowing for the soft alto horn wails from Steve Maing and the angular violin riffs from Gardner to intertwine seamlessly. The result is a cohesive and playful sound, with the guest musicians seamlessly blending into the mix.
Another standout moment on the album is ’15 (IRA)’, a delightfully ramshackle recording that captures the raw energy of the room. As the track progresses, it builds into a skronky crescendo with Kaplan’s shredding guitar. The brief yet contemplative ’15 (YASI)’ features Chen on flute and feedback, complemented by Perera’s ethereal West Coast new age-style synth, creating a captivating and atmospheric vibe. Overall, ‘Power Failures’ is a strong and captivating album that highlights the eclectic talents of 75 Dollar Bill and their collaborative efforts with other influential musicians in the scene.
Fans of 75 Dollar Bill will undoubtedly appreciate this remastered and reissued edition of ‘Power Failures’, with its enhanced sound quality and the inclusion of previously unreleased material. The album serves as a testament to the duo’s improvisational skills and their ability to create a rich and engaging sonic experience. With the addition of guest musicians, the album reaches new heights and showcases the versatility and creativity of 75 Dollar Bill. As the pandemic continues to impact the music industry, it is encouraging to see artists finding ways to adapt and share their music, even in uncertain times.
