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Fred FrithCheap at Half the PriceBY SALVATORE SERIOWhen faced with naming the most important guitarist of our age. most people think along the lines of Clapton. Beck. DiNlcola and Metheny.But what about Fred Frith?In the ’70s, Frith did some wonderfully different guitar work with the European group, Henry Cow, before moving on to projects with rhe Art Bears (an artsy, avant garde trio) and the progressive jazz outfits. Material and Massacre (the latest Massacre album,“Killing Time,” is hot!)A few years back, Frith decided to develop his individual style more completely and began recording solo albums.“Cheap at Half the Price,” his third solo effort, is his most developed and most satisfying. Frith plays all of the instruments (including a six-string bass, violin, casio 101, xylophone and uniquehomemade instruments.)Frith recorded at home on a four-track recorder. Of special interest here are Frith’s vocals; special because w'e’ve never heard Frith sing on his own before.Frith’s voice gives the album a Brian Eno sound and also showcases his talents more conventionally than in the past.This is a very enjoyable recording. Frith’s approach to music should serve as an inspiration to all musicians, as it is to many already. He is. multi-talented and diverse in style.These qualities make his music timeless, momentous and insures him a place in the company of genius.Curious is the inclusion of bits of one of Reagan's State of the Union speeches in the song Cap the Knife.” It might have been more appropriate in the song Too Much Too Little {too much power, too little brains), but I’m sure Frith was hinting at deeper meanings (hat have yet to be discovers!.Bassist extrordinaire Bill Laswell is special guest on “Same Old Me.” Dig these lyrics:Same old jokes, same old newspapers, same old news, same old tragedies, same old sleep, same old t stupid habits.. .same old me.Another favorite is Frith’s adaption of a traditional Swedish song. “Absent Friends” is what elderly people ought to be listening to instead of WLUV. It is relaxing and gives you room to think, instead of invading your thoughts, and doesn’t insult your culture the way Muzak versions of Beatles’ songs do.Elderly Swedes would go for it especially.Frith is a workaholic. He hasn’t severed his ties with other groups and musicians, and is never far from his own work either.Be aware of this busy artist and his music, which is changing the way many musicians look at the sounds that they take so seriously.This album is highly recommended to everyone, regardless of age or taste.
Newspaper Details
Oshkosh Advance Titan
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, US
Wed, Apr 18, 1984
Page 15
Full Page
Clipped by
Bruce T.
ZA 05 Nov 2015
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