I was guessing Eamon Ra was from Ireland or Britain. Sure as hell sounds like it. Turns out he's from Seattle (though he was born in Ireland before moving to the U.S. as a child). But the Mellotron string-esque backing to these songs does evoke a different place--not to mention a different time.

Eamon Ra Meat Bones Chemicals Electricity (self-released)

Vaguely psychedelic (particularly the electric guitars, whenever they appear), these tightly-crafted pop songs are very reminiscent of the late 60s. Ra's voice is expressive but hardly lush, and the disparity between that and the music is one of the real pleasures of this album. There's an otherworldly feel to this set.

These noodly songs don't always set the hook, and they're far from pretty (though the guitar-Mellotron combo is generally spectacular), but they are mesmerizing. There are times I think the whole enterprise is going to collapse, and then I realize that Ra has set me up once again.

Ra's writing and arranging skill is off the charts. He also played most of the music, and there is a definite one man band eccentricity. Part of the charm, I'd say. I have a feeling, however, that the last thing Ra is out to do is charm anyone. I think he'd rather make their skin crawl. That he can do both at the same time is one of the small miracles within this album.

Jon Worley