Various Artists

Metaphysics For Beginners CD

Redder Records January 26, 2004

As opposed to the many other compilations that litter the bottoms of indie listeners’ closets, Metaphysics for Beginners is a cohesive, flowing record of all unreleased and rare tracks, each song a testament to its creator’s unending talent. Metaphysics brings together achingly beautiful pop, solemn indie folk, electronic music, and explosive rock in the form of a solid mix album, all wrapped with a bow in its special introduction from world-renowned poet Robert Creeley. While tracks from Gloria Record and Detachment Kit epitomize the phenomenal styles we’ve come to expect from these groups, others vehemently and incredibly successfully oppose general ideas, like a country song from post-punk group The Ghost, a thumping remix from indie rockers Zykos, and a rarely-seen melding of Sufjan Stevens’ early experimental electronic music with his gifted pop. The extra-special package is a cardboard digipack with holes cut out in just the right places by Chip Wass.

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