Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Round and Round

  by Paul Waller

published: 4 / 5 / 2010

Label: 4AD
Format: 7"

intro

Floaty and ramshackle-sounding psychedelia on new vinyl only single from Los Angeles-based musician Ariel Pink, ruined by its revolting front cover

'Round And Round' is a song that drifts by in the same way in that the music of MGMT just does. Wishy washy, floaty hooks dipped in a little psychedelic drippy juice are not enough to stop the song from passing me by. Before you know it five minutes have vanished and the thing is still merrily rambling on. Having not previously heard any of Ariel Pink’s lo-fi recordings it’s not for me to comment perhaps but a rawer production here would have done this single a huge favour. The flip side though is an altogether more interesting prospect. Here on 'Mistaken Wedding' the freaky folk-isms shine through. Ariel Pink comes across as a drunken Elvis Costello singing an obtuse version of Mud’s 'Blue Christmas' on a wobbly karaoke machine. Before you run to hills be aware that it works. Really well. Now if only 4AD didn’t package the thing in a frankly revolting 7” sleeve which features a girl snogging with a cat and a chap in a full on smacker with a dog I might be prepared to give side one another spin. As it stands I never want to go near the thing again.

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