Richard is a friend of mine—we used to be in a band together—so I feel I should exempt myself from "reviewing" his album, House of the Spirit-Wrestler!. But I also can't not recommend it—it's really good!
Richard lives in Vancouver. He doesn't tour. I don't even know if he plays out. So it's more than likely you've never heard of him and never will hear of him unless you listen to the song below or download the whole album for free.
Since our band broke up way back in 2000, I've watched Richard write song after excellent song. He periodically sends me song or an album he's done. One, back in '04 or so, was pretty slick indie pop and is something I listen to, still, all the time. Once he sent me a couple of pure electronica tracks and those were pretty amazing too.
Now he's onto lo-fi garage. Not to make it sound like he's a dilettante—knowing him for many years I know that he's always been into this stuff; and at their core his songs are pop, regardless of the production. Richard's songwriting is so assured that dressing it in lo-fi doesn't feel like affectation (unlike, say, Wavves). Maybe it's the fact that as a songwriter his points of reference—Jonathan Richman and the Sonics, for two examples among others—stretch further back than the 90s (unlike, say, Wavves). He's not encumbered by his production; the strength of his songs set him free.
- Richard Catwrangleur: Little Witch
thanks so much for pointing this out. sounds pretty great.
Posted by: westmont | August 10, 2010 at 08:07 PM
I've got to say that I'm not exaggerating when I say that House of the Spirit Wrestler is one of the best albums I've ever heard. The songs are so catchy and the lyrics are pure genius. Little Witch, and Never Giving Up the Gun in particular, are very tongue in cheek and very amusing, but quite beautiful at the same time. I feel privileged to have come across such a talent.
If you get chance to speak to him, send my regards from England :)
Posted by: Owen | August 11, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Glad you like it Owen! Yeah, the lyrics are great. Was listening to "Lifeline" while walking to work the other day and just started laughing as I walked.
Posted by: scott pgwp | August 12, 2010 at 03:57 PM
I hope the guy gets really big one day:
1) So the World may hear his great music
and
2) So I can say I knew his music when nobody did and be all hipster about it ;-)
Posted by: Owen | August 13, 2010 at 01:59 PM