I think Pere Ubu is almost as old as I am. I certainly remember that band as "old" when I was in college 30 years ago. I own a few Pere Ubu albums, though I can't say I've ever "gotten" even one of them. The band has always struck me as intentionally obtuse and contrary -- which is why I've always been interested in hearing new things from the band and its members.

Allen Ravenstine Waiting for the Bomb (Recommended Records)

This album is contrary, but not obtuse. Allen Ravenstine populates his world with orchestral and jazz sounds, sounding more like a cloud of impending doom than a demented carousel. Thus the album title, I guess.

The arrangements are meticulous, and there is a martial propulsion to most of the pieces. So the carousel reference isn't entirely out of place. But these aren't one-offs. There is a definite narrative to the album, and it is much better appreciated as one whole rather than 18 pieces.

Ravenstine's influences aren't limited to western notions, either. He finds plenty of noodling space in Indian and other eastern musical ideas, and his percussion section has earned hundreds of thousands of imaginary air miles. The sounds and ideas here come from everywhere, but mostly the recesses of Ravenstine's fertile imagination.

Despite the dark overtones, this album is easy to warm up to. Ravenstine hasn't dialed back the musical ferment, but he has created a work that doesn't immediately sucker-punch the listener. Rather, it invites everyone on a journey. One that is most unconventional and engaging. I may still not "get" a lot of Pere Ubu, but this set speaks volumes to me. Dive in and enjoy.

Jon Worley