Description
A Golden Field of Radioactive Crows is the eighth full-length studio album by the American rock band The Seventy Sevens, independently released on their own label Fools of the World in 2001, in co-operation with Galaxy21 Music, distributed by Diamante Music Group. The album was recorded by Scott Reams and the band at Le’Oignon in Sacramento, California; with the band producing. Mixed and Mastered by Ralph Stover at Audio Production Group in Orangevale, California.
The album seems to blend the hard edge of the bluesy Tom Tom Blues with the more complex and interesting song structures of Michael Roe’s solo album The Boat Ashore for a sonic masterpiece. The band actually got the album title from former Exit Records label mate Steve Scott. (“Producer Larry Norman wanted something a little more lively for the – still unreleased album – Moving Pictures recorded in the mid 1970s, so I wrote the song “Different Kind of Light.” When we were tracking it in Los Angeles on 24 track 2 inch tape I suggested that we speed the tape up for the chorus so that at “normal” speed Jon Linn’s guitars would sound extra heavy. I described the desired effect as “a golden field of radioactive crows.”)
The 77s’ long-awaited return comes with a mix of old and new sounds. Easily-recognizable song styles from the first few 77s records take a leap forward to the digital age of 2001. The band combines well-produced multi-layering effects with the returning treasure of Mike Roe‘s ringing guitars beneath his emotionally energized vocals. As always, Roe’s guitar playing is the shining center of the 77s sound, encrusted with the tasty bass of Mark Harmon and the spicy back beats of Bruce Spencer. Truly a group effort, the record is brewing with perfectly blended, tight musicianship and 77s-type harmonies. The rhythm section of Harmon and Spencer move from free-flowing jams or jungle beats, to the impressive straight-ahead modern rock that has made the 77s heroes for so long.
Throughout the record, one is struck with the very fine production values. Inside each track are layers of added sound. There are blankets of guitars, of bass, and even drums. The first four or so tracks are animated, ringing modern rock numbers; tunes one can nod to with the satisfaction one gets from a new CD that brings instant smiles of recognition. In other words, it feels good to have some new 77s coming through the car stereo.
Track five, «Rise», is a brooding song. Roe’s crying guitar and emotive voice swim over lo-fi mumblings and what sounds like Spencer’s drum beat slowed to half speed and run backwards. But the pace quickly picks up again for «Leaving». A fast-paced rocker that sounds to me like Roe gives up the mic for a verse to share the vocal duties (my pre-release CD doesn’t have that information, but I’m guessing Mark sings with Mike on this one). «Mr. Magoo» is the seventh cut, a cute psychedelic number that goes, “I may be Mr. Magoo but I see through you.” «Related» is another many-layered acoustic-electric tune with a jungle beat, and includes DJ scratching and sampling for the first time on a 77’s record. Roe’s guitar is featured through the next two songs: «I’ve Got», a medium paced rock song, and «There Forever», a beautiful ballad of a love desired. Track eleven, «Mean Green Season» is a rockabilly song that lets Roe get rowdy with both his vocals and his guitar. «Begin» (a funny name for the final cut) is an epic that allows the band to pull out all the stops. The instrumentation is calculating and arty, and builds into some well-crafted jams.
A Golden Field of Radioactive Crows is a great-sounding record. The obvious time and effort put into the recording process radiates in every track. The songs are very well-crafted. The musicianship is outstanding. Some are calling this a pop record, one to listen to while you cruise the beach. Although I do agree that it’s a good summer record, it’s not mindless entertainment. It’s too deep and full to be wallpaper, too weighty to be background to your girl watching. But if you can multitask listening to beautiful rock music and piloting through the beautiful summer scenery, plug this one in and have a nice outing. [Tony LaFianza, The Phantom Tollbooth, 5/28/2001]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-golden-field-of-radioactive-crows/378599339)
CD tracklist:
01. Genuine – 3:46
02. Down From You – 3:27
03. U R Trippin’ – 2:32
04. One More Time – 3:51
05. Rise – 3:05
06. Leaving – 3:00
07. Mr. Magoo – 2:43
08. Related – 6:23
09. I’ve Got – 3:48
10. There Forever – 6:17
11. Mean Green Season – 3:29
12. Begin – 4:58
Note: Available at Bandcamp: https://the77s.bandcamp.com/album/a-golden-field-of-radioactive-crows
CREDITS. All songs recorded by Scott Reams and the 77’s at Le’Oignon, Sacramento, CA. “Begin” also recorded at Spray Bomb, Sacramento, CA, by Ryan Froggatt. Mixed and Mastered by Ralph Stover at Audio Production Group, Orangevale, CA. Art and Design by Brian Heydn. Art Direction by Brian Heydn and the 77’s. Photography by Chris Knight. Cornerstone 2000 photos by Brian Heydn. Last minute coordination by Dewey Hafta. Additional engineering and illustrations by Devon Siobhan. Executive Producers: Curt and Debbie Cosenza. All songs written by The 77’s.
Musicians: The 77’s – Mike Roe (Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals), Mark Harmon (Bass, Upright Bass, Guitar, Keys, Vocals), Bruce Spencer (Drums, Percussion, Keys, Vocals). Additional production, inspiration, technical wizardry and percussion by Scott Reams. Special appearance by dj Joe Z Zeffaro.
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