The Underground of Happiness

A thoroughly fascinating proposition from the godfather of punk in a collaboration which looks the most unlikely on paper. The poetry of Walt Whitman recited by Pop, with backing from electronic gurus Tarwater & Alva Noto . There’s an intense brooding quality to Pop’s delivery - although it’s quite laid back in one light – and the soundscape behind teases that out brilliantly, with ambient washes and gurgles and clicks giving a very different view of the nature referenced in Whitman’s writing. No need to say any more except you need to hear this.

Here's something you don't hear every day. The title track from the new Tarwater album starts with a low tuba drone and a sample of some tapped acoustic instrument strings (of unknown origin), which are then joined by a very chilled out programmed drumbeat and electric guitar pattern. Then, out of the blue, one minute in, comes the sound of an instrument I've never heard before. It sounds vaguely Middle Eastern or North African, and as if it should be a wind instrument. It plays a quixotic melody that's not a million miles from something you'd hear on bagpipes. It's brief and very exotic to these ears, then it's gone again. The song meanders on, pauses momentarily, at which point a male voice intones " inside the ships " in very good English with a slight accent, accompanied by that tuba again and an accordion (or maybe another bellows instrument). He then proceeds to list what I think are names of dances, like " The Easybone", "The ...