Garfield
Org, 2023
9/10
This debut album from Adam Green, who you might know as a founding member of The Moldy Peaches, Garfield originally came out in 2002, and this 20 year anniversary edition brings a whole lot of extras to the anti-folk climate.
The curious listen starts with the folky strumming, robot voices and random noises of “Apples, I’m Home”, and “My Shadow Tags Behind” follows with a soft, acoustic fueled tune that’s bedroom pop at its finest.
Moving deeper into the listen, the sparse “Computer Show” eventually welcomes synthetic drumming and layered vocals, while the poetic “Can You See Me” pairs Green’s eloquent singing with pretty acoustic guitar that, like many of the songs, builds into an oddly atmospheric, somewhat jarring landscape.
The bonus material is largely comprised of demo versions of songs off the original album, plus a few live tracks. The cover tunes are especially great, and include the haunting versus pretty delivery of “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and his distinct and memorable take on “Crystal Ship”, by The Doors.
Available for the first time on vinyl and with unpublished photos and liner notes from Green, his creativity has always appeared boundless, and this very thorough peek into his first solo record further cements his place as an innovator in the area of anti-folk.
Travels well with: Albert Hammond Jr.- Momentary Masters; Jonathan Richman & Modern Lovers- Jonathan Sings!