The Last Letter

by The Receptionists

Overview

On The Last Letter, the Receptionists succeed in creating an endearing lo-fi indie rock record full of surprises. The music is instantly reminiscent of the Raincoats. Half of the disc is new material, while the other half was previously released on various indie rock compilations. The visceral combination of Tanya (guitar), Lara (accordion and bells), and Jenn (mandolin, xylophone and penny whistle) created a unique arrangement of the otherwise standard indie pop/twee pop sound. The disc hits its pace on the jangley "Stamp Song" (complete with harmonious vocals from Tanya and Lara), followed by the introspective and serene "Laundry Song" and the clumsily endearing "Seasonal Affection Disorder." The band's music is sometimes too simple, but more instrumentation might bury the composed and relaxed vocals. The accordion and xylophone set the band apart from the standard guitar-bass-drums arrangement. "Soren Loved Regina" is possibly the most quintessential Receptionists song, simple and unabashedly playful. It was previously released on the March Records compilation, Pop American Style. The songs on The Last Letter were produced by Gary Hohenburger and Sam A. Turner from 1994-1997. Due to the long period of recording, the disc is understandably chaotic, as the band continued to flesh out its sound. It was released by Ba Da Bing Records in 1999. ~ Stephen Cramer

Product Details

Release Date:	01/01/2013
Label:	Ba Da Bing Records
UPC:	0600197001523
Rank:	159605

Tracks

1. You, Me, Sweet
2. Green Green
3. Dum Dum
4. The Chills
5. The Piracy of Saint Philomena
6. Stamp Song
7. Laundry Song
8. Seasonal Affection Disorder
9. Berry Stained
10. Witch Hazel
11. In Love Again
12. Swollen
13. Let's Go to the Rodeo
14. Spradley
15. Drinking Fountain
16. Soren Loved Regina
17. Under the Rug
18. The Poconos

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Receptionists   Primary Artist
Sam A. Turner   Recorder
Lara   Bells,Vocals,Accordion
Jen   Mandolin,Xylophone,Penny Whistle
Tanya   Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Tanya   Woodcut
Jacques Cohen   Mastering
Jennifer Goldberg   Photo Production