Peter Broderick - 4 Track Songs (CD)

Never let it be said that Peter Broderick engaged in false advertising with the title of his 2009 album. (In that regard he's following perfectly in line with PJ Harvey, oddly enough.) Compiling a variety of skeletal arrangements, found-sound experiments, and other examples of general contemplation, 4 Track Songs is on the one hand a familiar experience -- the artist in solitude seeing what might work for his own benefit -- and on the other a fine showcase for Broderick's general abilities. Instead of simply producing a fuzzy recording of acoustic guitars and half-heard lyrics, Broderick uses a variety of instruments throughout, resulting in pieces ranging from exultant piano/string performances to distant rainfall to steady slow-burn funk to backwoods banjo mood music to much more besides. Wry, descriptive wit determines a number of the song titles -- "Shortened Version (Mistake)," "More of a Composition," "A Simple String Duet," "A Low End Rumble" -- and further creates a sense of a sketchbook come to life. As a whole listening experience, it grows richer over its length, feeling very much like a soundtrack to a film in the same way as his other projects have been, a story that flows together in an unexpected fashion. ~ Ned Raggett