A lot of weird stuff crosses the communal desk known as the WFMU new bin, but when records by Mors Ontologica started drifting through said territory back in 2007, I knew right away they'd be going big places. Provided, of course, that we have a shared understanding of "big places" meaning "somehow slipping entirely under the radar of music tastemakers and the approval index to which they contribute."
Yeah. Too bad for Mors Ontologica—a band that deserves the accolades of present history's rock royalty, but whom today will have to settle for the enthusiastic ramblings of a benched WFMU DJ who usually blogs about cooking. With luck, 2011 will be their year to finally conquer.
Cultural injustice rhapsodies aside, it is an incredibly classy move on the band's part for posting their entire recorded output in the Free Music Archive for download. That's a pair of stellar albums, two EPs, and two excellent live sessions recorded on WFMU by the mighty Liz Berg. Mors Ontologica deliver lo-fi crud rock in the finest Ohio tradition (think Thomas Jefferson Slave Apartments, Mike Rep & the Quotas, Gaunt), with gravelly vocals pushed waaaaay the hell up front, and an approach to the three chord theory that somehow manages to sound fresh and innovative. On a few songs, they even wheel out the sax and keyboards with sonically expansive effects that in no way dial up comparisons to skinny-tied new wave bands. Yeah!
From the intimidating 55 tracks available for grabbing in the FMA, I created this album-length mix as a more compact and approachable gateway for those who've not yet sampled this fine band's wares. In other words, these are my immediate favorites which have been culled from the Don't Cry and Dead and/or Famous LPs, as well as the equally awesome Telemetric Action EP. Give this mix a listen, and then go digging through the tracks I've omitted for more excellence. Better still, pick up all the original vinyl from VSS Records who've just released the band's brand new double LP. All hail Columbus!
[Xposted on the FMA here]
I am so glad you introduced me to them back in 2007. And thanks to this post, I now have a new mix for my long drive up the turnpike this weekend. Thanks dude! Thanks Mors Ontologica!
Posted by: Julia ! | October 08, 2010 at 12:34 PM
Derrr. I meant to say "July" not "2007".
Posted by: Julia ! | October 08, 2010 at 12:36 PM
Way to blow your street cred, Julia. I didn't even blink when you said 2007! -mike
Posted by: r:m:b | October 08, 2010 at 01:10 PM
Mike Lupica praises a band and posts a best-of? I'm in. It's been about 2 minutes, so good so far. Will advise. Thanks!
Posted by: Mike S. | October 09, 2010 at 04:26 AM
It may be that I just finished a 10-hour drive and that I'm trying out stuff to counteract the caffeine, but I'm liking this a lot! Thanks again!
Posted by: Mike S. | October 09, 2010 at 04:45 AM
Awesome, glad you're diggin' it, Mike. Definitely check the live sets and the "Used Kids Sessions" EP, also available in the FMA.
Posted by: r:m:b | October 09, 2010 at 08:04 AM