State Songs is a concept album released by John Linnell in 1999. It was his third solo project and first full solo album. It consists of tracks that are named after, and are at least partially inspired by, 15 of the 50 U.S. states. The album is surrealist in nature. The album has received positive reviews from critics and peaked No. 18 on the CMJ 200 chart.
"Montana" was released as the single for the album. It was pressed by Erika Records. The single also featured the non-album track "Louisiana" as the B-side. Originally, "South Carolina" was the album's single, but the track was too long for the grooves to fit on the record that resembled the shape of the contiguous United States.
Recording State Songs originally existed as a short EP that John Linnell released through the Hello Recording Club.Atwood, Brett (13 August 1994). "No Joke". Billboard. The carousel organ is featured in four tracks. Linnell has stated that the organ was used to add variety among the standard human musicians. Two different band organs are featured on the album.Hay, Carly (13 November 1999). "Popular Uprisings". Billboard. The paper rolls for the organs were cut by Bob Stuhmer and Max Hurley respectively,State Songs (album liner notes). John Linnell. Rounder Records. 1999. and adjusted by Linnell. Linnell used a Gretsch accordion in recording the album.Rapa, Patricia (July 2000). "Squeeze Play". CMJ New Music Monthly.
Track listing
Personnel
John Linnell – vocals, accordion, alto saxophone, bass clarinet, DustBuster, guitar, organ, piano, programming, synthesizers The Statesmen Mark Donato – drums Mark Lerner – bass guitar Dan Miller – guitar Bob Stuhmer – carousel organ
Additional musicians Kate Dennis – French horn Brian Doherty – additional drums Mark Feldman – violin Dan Hickey – additional drums Jay Sherman-Godfrey – additional guitar Danny Weinkauf – additional bass
Production Albert Caiati – recording Patrick Dillett – mixing Barbara Glauber – artwork John Linnell – producer
Reception
State Songs received positive reviews from critics. Matthew Springer, writing for AllMusic, praised the album's surrealism and eclecticism. Music critic Robert Christgau cited "The Songs of the 50 States" and "New Hampshire" as highlights from the album.
The album spent four weeks on the CMJ 200 chart, peaking at No. 18.
References
External links State Songs on This Might Be A Wiki