Mount Eerie

Microphones | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 21, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: K. Records
• ASIN: B00007IQFS
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,238 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Microphones masterpiece--so far, March 3, 2003

By 

Craig Clarke "Living After Midnight: Hard and... (New England) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Mount Eerie (Audio CD)

Ever since I heard their seminal album The Glow Pt. 2, I've been following this band (which is composed mainly of Phil Elvrum, the mind behind it all, and a few of his musically-inclined friends) and their musical ventures into the previously unknown.

I immediately went in pursuit of more of that music. I have since bought the previous album It Was Hot, We Stayed in the Water, and the singles collection Song Islands, and have been consistently impressed with the ideas and musicianship that come from one man's mind and his relationship with the universe. (All the Microphones albums can be seen to have a nature-based thread running throughout them, except the singles collection, which is stunning in itself as a portrait of the tremendous growth Elvrum has experienced since his original flowering.)

After the tremendous success of The Glow Pt. 2 (its review page is one of the most popular on this site), where was there to go but up...and out. Mount Eerie is the Microphones' musical idea of the universe, from creation to the present--including a stunning visit with Death itself. It is a true concept album.

It's nothing if not ambitious. And that's the kind of stuff coming out of the independent music scene in Washington state, and that's the kind of stuff you have to be ready for if you're going to listen to the Microphones.

Don't get me wrong, it's melodic and sounds great through headphones. There's all the normal surface that we expect from our music, but there's more. That's all I'm saying.

Of course, I wouldn't recommend this as a first Microphones purchase. There's enough material here that it may be overwhelming to a new listener. Get into the Microphones state of mind first. Listen to It Was Hot, We Stayed in the Water, then go to The Glow Pt. 2, and if you "get" those, you'll be ready for a trip to Mount Eerie.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be Patient and Listen, February 22, 2003

By 

Andrew Cusack (Des Moines, IA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mount Eerie (Audio CD)

The latest offering from the Microphones only has five songs. It is not merely an EP-nope-this is a full-fledged album...and that means the songs are going to be long. Sure, "patience is a virtue" and whatnot, but it sure isn't a virtue which I possess. I have an attention span of zero, and I was scared to listen to it.

"Mt. Eerie" opens with nothing but the ambient drones with which "The Glow, Pt. 2" left off--and it drags on seemingly forever. My palms were already getting sweaty. Then, at the 3:40 mark, something is thrown into the mix to hold my attention: drums! I was captivated at first. The slight tapping grew into thunderous pounding...then the pounding keeps going. And going. Did I buy a record by the Energizer Bunny?

The mix of odd noises and drums continues on for another seven minutes! This rivals the most painstaking of the Olivia Tremor Control's or Sonic Youth's experimental tracks, but the Microphones have the audacity to throw it at you right from the onset. And just when I am about to end my exercise in patience, the familiar, haunting voice of Phil Elvrum chimes in. I sighed in relief and settled into my chair.

I love his voice. He doesn't hit every note perfectly. He might even flunk out of a voice class (Bob Dylan probably would, too), but it doesn't matter. His tone is perfect for the Microphones' music. It should be: he IS the Microphones. Elvrum writes just about every note for the "band," and he enlists friends to help him perform everything for the albums.

The difficult first track, "The Sun," pours into "Solar System" via a wave of white noise. When the ear-piercing clamor dissipates, one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard is revealed. I can listen to this song over and over again.

Ambient sounds and drumming again usher in the third song, "Universe." This track is the culmination of everything that "Mt. Eerie" is: it turns out to be just as beautiful as its predecessor, and it manages to capture the weird feel of "The Sun."

This interchanging of weirdness and beauty continues throughout each of the five marathon tracks, but it never feels like it's forced. Each aspect of the album is definitely crafted with care, and there is a driving force holding it all together seamlessly. But what is it?

After the album had played through the whole way, I realized something. I wouldn't have liked it without its odd mood. The atmosphere of "Mount Eerie" is its backbone, and that was set in the opening minutes (many minutes!) with all the weird drones and drumming.

"Mt. Eerie" is one of those albums that must be listened to in its entirety to be fully appreciated, and appreciate I did. Give this record your patience, and it will give you satisfaction in return.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mesmerizing, April 21, 2003

By 

Zach (Port Angeles, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mount Eerie (Audio CD)

Okay, assuming you're reading this review to see whether you should buy or download this album, you fall under one of two categories. 1) you haven't heard Glow Pt. 2 before. 2) you You have heard the The Glow Pt. 2 before.
If you fall in the 1st category, go buy the Glow Pt.2. Not that it's better mind you, it's just an easier listen and (assuming you like it - and you will) will provide a great gateway into Mt. Eerie - to me, the apex of the Microphones career so far. Now, if you have heard Glow Pt. 2, what are you waiting for? Mt. Eerie takes the unique Microphones' sound you grew to love and brings it to new heights - the heavens. This is the best concept alum since the Wall, and in the deep and ever-growing sea of great indie music, exists in a little tidepool of it's own.
Track one (Sun)is a massive, ambitious representation of the origin on the Universe and life on this planet - an abariginal drum beat powers this tune with Phil Elvrum's unique vocals and lyrical style bringing the metaphysical story to life.
Track 2 (Solar System) says so much in so little - etherial, beautiful,lonely - maybe the greatest Microphone's achievemnet yet.
Track 3 (Universe) brings new elements to the album - pushing the evolution evident throughout - "how many times have I learned this before?/ How many times have I made up this song before?/ How many times have I died up here before?".
Track 4 (Mt. Eerie) quite frankly blows me away. God, I am at a loss for words, really. It truly transcends definition.
And Track 5 (Universe) ties the album together nicely, if a bit hastefully - I was wishing for something more here, but it's beautiful nonetheless. Altogether, a modern masterpiece. No matter what aftermentioned category you fall under, you should eventually get to purchasing this album.