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Fred Frith — Prints - Snapshots, Postcards, Messages and Miniatures 1987-2001
(ReR Megacorp ReR/FRA 02, 2002, CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2003-08-01

Prints - Snapshots, Postcards, Messages and Miniatures 1987-2001 Cover art

Prints is the third of three ReR issues of essential recordings from Fred Frith. This is a collection of twelve pieces that serve as brief communication vehicles across a fourteen year time span. Frith is an archivist by trade: if something he records doesn’t fit any other active project he is laboring on, he stashes it away. He is fully aware that the single moment of creativity can be utilized somewhere down the line in a more appropriate context. There is a unique sense of continuity to this work as well that is indicative from the first track, “Trains and Boats and Planes.” The composer has extracted the odd Bacharach pop melody and drafted into a larger piece of forlorn. Three members of Thinking Plague provide vocal parts into “Life of a Detective,” an odd reading of Ernest Noyes Brookings’ text. The artist’s best works are the ones where he groups experimental solo excursions within odd pop song and extended solo endeavors. “Trocosi” is a fine example of this tenet. The transition into very the next track, “Reduce Me,” is also well done; the subject matter focuses on an Afghan woman’s return home driven by an abrupt techno rhythm offset by a sad guitar line. Probably the most topical piece is the guitarist’s take on the infamous Clinton scandal, “I Want It to Be Over,” which intimately speaks for itself. Overall, this is another brilliant assortment of disparate works connected by subtle genius.

Filed under: Archives, Issue 27, 2002 releases

Related artist(s): Fred Frith, Dave Kerman

 

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