Be Still Please

Portastatic | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 10, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Merge Records
• ASIN: B000I2IRSC
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,609 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Does Mac McCaughan ever rest? After a decade and a half as the mastermind behind a majority of Superchunk's contagious catalog, the North Carolinian carries on his prolificacy with Portastatic--essentially McCaughan handling all instrumental chores except for an ever-slight and gyratory cast of musicians. Unable to pen and record a clunker amidst his handsome ballads and cascading rockers, McCaughan coalesces sugar-coated melodies with personal, often uproarious lyrics that can make his 40-something voice sound half its age. "Oh, you had some information that you turned into a hymn/That you sang into the answering machines of all your friends/But they never got the message," he sings on "Black Buttons" beneath the delicate accompaniment of violin, oboe, and backing vocals by Laura Cantrell. The gentle acoustic-led folk song is one of several low-key gems, which split the nine-tune record with uptempo delights like "I'm in Love (With Arthur Dove)" and the utterly iridescent "Cheers and Applause." As he cries out "Spinning, spinning, and no one's as desperate as me," perhaps McCaughan could take his own advice and, as the title suggests, be still. But--selfishly--let's hope he doesn't. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Weakest in the catalogue, April 2, 2010

By 

J. Ackerman (work, unfortunately) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Be Still Please (Audio CD)

Now look, I love Portastatic and Superchunk, but this album I think is the weak link in the set. Either boring or silly, but most of all, unmemorable. "You Blanks" and "Like a Pearl" are both good, but otherwise, save your money for others by this great band/guy.

5.0 out of 5 stars amazing, January 7, 2007

By 

isaac - See all my reviews

This review is from: Be Still Please (Audio CD)

i heard about this from a friend, and although i was skeptical, i gave the album a good listen. I was absolutely blown away. From the first track, a perfect pop gem Sour Shores, the album captivated me and left me wanting more. Not only are the songs good, but the lyrics are fresh and intellegent. They work as part of the music and enhance the disc rather than becomeing a nuisance. Especially reminiscent of Shins, this album has little surprises everywhere, including the masterful Im in love (With Arthur Dove). You will not be dissapointed with this album

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best of 2006, October 15, 2006

By 

Michael Byrd "byrdman" (Idaho(we have bts)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Be Still Please (Audio CD)

Just a month before this I claimed M Ward's Post War to be the best album of 2006. It may still hold that title, but Be Still Please is defintely a contender.