Joan of Arc Presents: Don't Mind Control

Genre indie-rock Publisher Polyvinyl Records External Links

Tim Kinsella, et. al., have created a compilation of epic proportions. Don’t Mind Control is set to be released on January 26th, 2010 and will certainly be a boon for all indie music lovers. For those of you who are not familiar with Joan of Arc, this record should get you in ‘the know’ and have you chasing after new music on iTunes for quite some time. All of the songs are gems and definitely worthy of not only air play, but also your rock appreciation. There are eighteen bands and a collection of forty one plus artists that have worked with Kinsella in the past and continue to want put forth their musical prowess in the best way possible: with gusto and ingenuity. Each track gives a new perspective, yet the album remains cohesive.

The entire album jumps around from one genre to another and the listener goes on a magic carpet ride, over hills and through valleys toward a final destination of Hookah town. To abide by the old adage that you can’t make a second first impression, the first track on the album, “Uwar” by Litesalive, is most certainly a way to grab your attention and keep you glued to the palpably peculiar vibe. This album will weed out the faint of heart and wishy washy newbies to experimental music. If you dig electronic, ambient bliss, you can find it here. Some of the songs induce acid trip flashbacks; it’s very much like playing through Tetris while popping York peppermint patties and hallucinating that you’re skiing down the Alps in your pajamas. Several other tracks, like “Privacy” by Birdshow, “Guider,” by Disappears, and “Friend in Common,” by Euphone, are remarkably reminiscent of 70s classic rock of the The Rolling Stones, The Clash, and Moody Blues. Then there’s “The Doug McComb Over,” by A Tundra, which is countrified hillbilly-rock, featuring a sample of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man”. Furthermore, others like “No More No Where,” by singer/songwriter Owen, and “Long Looks” by Cale Parks are soft and gentle, likened to Bright Eyes or folky Iron and Wine.

Don’t Mind Control is a great example of cooperation and collaboration at its best. The myriad of artists combine their unique styles and sounds to form a unified front. It’s an amazing success.