all the old ghosts will let you know

# 5 Mercury

The Prayer Chain (Rode Dog, 1995)

Acid, middle eastern, kinda hard to describe euphoria. Cousin C.Ultra and bro Lucky have already told us about their having been mesmerized by this album at some point as well. Talk about nostalgia, little E had just gone up to get ready for bed and so I was lying down listening to the last few tracks and just like when I was 16, fell under the spell. Something jarred me and I realized I been staring at the ceiling for close to 3 songs, totally immersed. I wasn't near sleep, I wasn't thinking about the day, responsibilities, etc., I was just being taken from earth and was brought abruptly back again. I still believe that was their intention...too far out for the label, the lead singer, the market. And too bad it still hasn't been heard by loads of people. When I put it on during dinner tonight, Sugar said '() Sigur Ros?' I made her wait for it and then she noted how the album isn't dated one bit. From that first minute of drone I remember thinking what? I thought they were grunge and by the end of the album I realized my little ears were getting lucky twice in the same year. I didn't need to listen to much else the rest of that year and thus began me being somewhat choosy with my albums moving forward and let down with what I was used to. The main thing that struck me, drew me in, and has influenced me ever since was the sheer fact that they took the time to let things unfold and crawl and seep in...the length of songs...namely two 9 minute tracks... that was the topic of one night's conversation on the front porch between Lucky and me 12 years ago. Oh, I forgot about the background vocals...Captain?