Clay,
East Dallas Mix Tape



Label: (self-released)

(3½ out of 5)

Clay's East Dallas Mix Tape is a beautiful mess — a frequently mesmerizing yet occasionally mystifying collection from the techno/Americana/whatever minds of brothers Clay and Trey Pendergrass.

The album pulls together 22 demos, experiments, and outtakes recorded with friends like Chris Claridy (Eleven Hundred Springs) and Jack O'Neill (Jackopierce) between 1997 and 2004.

According to the CD liner, a theoretical intermission separates the first 10 tracks from the final dozen.

The pre-intermission set is almost universally strong. A three-song sequence of the techno-punk "2 or 3 Chord Punk" (listen), pop-rock "Dubliner" (listen, watch the video), and alt-country "Contracting" (listen) sets the tone for Clay's playful musical polyamory. "Green" (listen) and "False Alarms" (listen) then close out the first 10 songs on a high note.

The post-intermission set ventures further into the experimental realm. Polished gems like "Old Monk" (listen) and "U Were There" (listen) are surrounded by raw techno grooves and sound clips. It's an utterly different experience from the opening set, but that seems to be precisely the juxtaposition Clay desired.

East Dallas Mix Tape is an ode to musical freedom. While initially confounding, it's proven an infectious album that continues to improve with each listening.

(Note: You may purchase East Dallas Mix Tape from CD Baby.)

February 02, 2006