Customer Reviews

Spotlight on Optiganally Yours

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This CD is absolutely charming. The crackling tones of the optigan are used brilliantly by Rob Crowe and Pea Hix. The concept of using the optigan as a primary element for an entire album seems like a novelty, but the result here is priceless.

This is not a collection of disposable pop songs. It is a disarming collection of truly wonderful music.

A must have.

Prior to releasing Spotlight On Optiganally Yours, Pea Hicks underwent a legendary quest to discover the Optigan and exhibit its wonderful sound to the public. First off, this disc is based entirely on the sound produced by the optigan, plus Rob Crow's vocals and guitar arrangements. Optigan stands for optical organ. The Optigan is basically a homemade organ that was around back in the 70s. It played celluloid discs that resembled lps, and basically all the facets of a regular keyboard accompanied it- a number of chords, rhythms and accompaniments. Using the optigan as a focal point for a cd is really one of the neatest things I have ever heard. And who better to sing over this eerie sounding organ, which was seemingly extinct, than Rob Crow of Pinback (and Thingy and Heavy Vegetable). These songs aren't just weird though; they really are melodic and interesting. Mr. Wilson, Remo, Hugs and Stop Touching Me are my favorites. If you're in for something new, give this a try. It really is a great cd.

For something that could easily be dismissed as a bit of a novelty act, this record has proved that it's anything but. The optigan is king. Rob Crow and Pea Hix have created a masterpiece.

I've owned this disc for some time, and it gets regular play. Notable tracks are "Mr. Wilson," which is silly and fun and has some of the best lyrics ever, 'cause it's all about peace and love. My favorite track is the cover of "Wichita Lineman." What an awesome rendition of this song.

The optigan, though you'd think it might become tiresome, actually manages to carry this entire album through. The music itself is virtually indescribable, full of weird bleeps and bloops, and a healthy dose of fun and nonsense.

For me, this album has the feel of a dig in the backyard that uncovers a time capsule buried by some kid 30 years ago, complete with a tape of music he made alone in the basement. Every time I hear it, I feel like I'm listening to something that came from some other place and time, something that's incredibly personal. Maybe that's just me...

At any rate, if you're curious, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Be sure to check out "Hugs" and "Patio." Oh, and, of course, "Stop Touching Me." Hell, just listen to the whole thing and then go out and listen to everything else Rob Crow has done.

What's an Optigan? In the early 70's, Mattel devised this OPTIcal orGAN to play back the sounds of REAL instruments, encoded on celluloid discs like concentric rings of a movie soundtrack. The sound was pretty crappy, and the instrument did not sell well. Anyway, this album features the Optigan as the lead instrument, accompanied by guitar and vocals. They play some pretty weird songs, plus a cover of "Wichita Lineman". It's a pretty amusing album, if you are interested in offbeat music.