No longer a bedroom venture, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti is now a fully realised band and release their best album for new label 4AD. Six months in the making, 'before today' was recorded in part in Encino at the house of blues (once Tito Jackson's home studio) with Sunny Levine (Quincy Jones' grandson) and Rik Pekkonen (Bill Withers, Seals and Crofts, Bread) as well as at the band's home studios.
The result is a beguiling mix of glam rock, west coast funk and merseybeat harmonies with a high-production sheen; a contrast to the corroded bedroom recordings that have fomented a fervent cult following over the past decade. standouts include the classic synth-rock 'i can't hear my eyes', 'revolution's a lie' with its pulsating motorik tints to their cover 'bright lit blue skies' (originally recorded by the rocking ramrods in 1966).
1. Hot Body Rub
2. Bright Lit Blue Skies
3. L'Estat (acc. To The Widow's Maid)
4. Fright Night (Nevermore)
5. Round And Round
6. Beverly Kills
7. Butt-House Blondies
8. Little Wig
9. Can’t Hear My Eyes
10. Reminiscences
11. Menopause Man
12. Revolution's A Lie
Every track on this superb album is a winner, each draped in quiet glamour. - BBC Online
