From Amazon.com
Self-described "cheerful misanthrope" Jim O'Rourke was schooled in the trenches of experimentalism and high-headed music theory, making music on computers before it was fashionable to do so. Since the late '90s, he's emerged as an all-star producer and sideman (serving as Sonic Youth's bassist on several tours) as well as a relatively prolific solo artist. Not to say that Jeff Tweedy of Wilco's involvement this time around (O'Rourke produced Wilco's 2002 release, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot) doesn't have anything to do with the sheer pop success/excess of Insignificance. Playing Robert Quine or Richard Lloyd to O'Rourke's warped Lou Reed/Matthew Sweet, Tweedy adds crunchy yet light guitar tones on the radio-ready opener, "All Downhill from Here," which is driven home by "woo-hoos" and a happy-go-lucky climax. Oddly enough, this track is a roots-rock rave-up recalling, at least in spirit, Rick Derringer's hit "Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo" or Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama." Add O'Rourke's formula of juxtaposing pleasant streams and shuffles of crystalline easy-listening with unpleasant lyrics (think of a subtler Elvis Costello or less sentimental Morrissey) and delicate John Fahey-esque guitar interplay (especially on the last track "Life Goes Off"), and what you get is a surprisingly ingratiating yet challenging record. O'Rourke may leave his tongue glued to his cheek so that fans and detractors alike can continue scratching their heads, but on Insignificance, it sounds like he's accepted that cruel lullaby pop is where it's at--at least for now. --Cyndi Elliott
Album Description
Another great chapter in page-turning musical saga of one of the nation's most treasured peformers, and another fantastic voyage through the dark and mysterious alleys of pop and rock music. Seven brand new songs loaded with bareback riff-riding, discreet nocturnal noises, lyrical arsenic, love, and the time-honored traditions of scorn and pity. Features a backing cast of characters that includes villains and lovers TIM BARNES, DARIN GRAY, GLENN KOTCHE, JEFF TWEEDY, ROB MAZUREK, KEN VANDERMARK, and KEN CHAMPION. Triumphantly alluring from start to finish.
Album Details
Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track
