Cursive

Cursive: The Ugly OrganThe Ugly Organ (2003)
Saddle Creek Records

Reviewer Rating: 4.5

User Rating:

Contributed by: The Wezzul
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on March 18th 2003Straight from the musical powerhouse that is Omaha comes Cursive's 4th full length album, entitled The Ugly Organ. Their last album, Domestica was received very well by both long-time Cursive fans as well as newcomers to the band's music, and it would be a hard album to follow up. However, this albu.

Straight from the musical powerhouse that is Omaha comes Cursive's 4th full length album, entitled The Ugly Organ. Their last album, Domestica was received very well by both long-time Cursive fans as well as newcomers to the band's music, and it would be a hard album to follow up. However, this album not only matches the intensity and talent displayed on Domestica, it surpasses it. Right from the beginning of this album, you will notice a big change from Domestica. The addition of Gretta Cohn (for the Burst and Bloom EP) on cello was one of the best things the band could do. The instrument is ever present on this album, adding to the musical landscape that the rest of the talented members of the band create. It is most noticable on songs The Recluse, and Driftwood. Both of these tracks display the ability of Mike Mogis to arrange these tracks, as well as Ms. Cohn's ability to play her instrument. It is a welcome addition as it serves to add another dimension to an already complex sound.

The other thing Cursive fans will notice is the presence of a somewhat "softer" sound at points in the album. On songs such as Sierra, and A Gentleman Caller there are breakdowns featuring a much quieter, non-screaming Tim Kasher. The sound almost sounds like a mix between earlier Cursive releases and The Good Life (Kasher's side project).

As is expected from anything Kasher does, the lyrics are the standout on this album. On the song Art is Hard, Kasher speaks about his (or could it be Conor Oberst's) lyrical stylings, singing: Cut it out / Your self-inflicted pain / Is getting too routine / The crowds are catching on / To the self-afflicted song / Well here we go again / The art of acting weak / Flying up to fail / To boost your CD sales

There are also wonderful lyrics on the aformentioned Sierra, describing longing for a woman who he once shared an apartment, and child with: And an extra kiss for mama / I want that kiss, that kid, that apartment / I'm ready to settle down now / So get that man out of my bed / I want my daughter back now / I want to kiss her, tuck her in, and say goodnight my baby All of the tracks on this album are good, I have yet to find one that I did not enjoy. It is truly an album you can listen to from start to beginning. However, there are a few standout tracks. Art is Hard, The Recluse, Driftwood, Sierra, and the ten minute epic Staying Alive are all wonderful tracks that surely earn replay value.

Saddle Creek continues to pump out amazing music, and this album is no exception. If all albums for 2003 are to be as good as this one, we are in for a great year. If you're a Cursive fan you will love this album. If you've never listened to Cursive, this is a great album to start with. Pick it up, you will not be disappointed.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Jekyl (November 10, 2005)

Cursive's greatest effort yet. Reinforces my belief that their addition of Greta on the cello was genius. A musically complex album dealing with heavy topics about human interaction. Cursive keeps growing and expanding from their days of trying to sound like Fugazi.

GreenVandal (March 24, 2003)

Is it just me, or are CD's getting horter and shorter lately? This CD actually only has 8 songs on it seeing as how 3 of the tracks are just filler. (The Ugly Organ, Herald! Frankenstein, and Harold Weathervein) And the last song is 10 minutes of whiny noise which isnt even worth listening to. But those 7 songs you got left are absolutely incredible. so this CD still deserves a like 8. but seriously guys....you eed to start putting mroe songs on your albums, this is ridiculous.

FasterInFall (March 24, 2003)

I really like this Cursive record. It even made a cursive fan of my roommate.

and they were great last week in chicago.

CrAzYJeb (March 19, 2003)

Bonus points for effective use of the word crimeny.

Jeb

Anonymous (March 18, 2003)

Look at me, I'm amateur...

If i was a professional music critic, why would I submit my reviews, without pay, to a website.... if I was a pro, I'd be getting paid for this..

So in essence, everyone here is an amateur, if you go by the MEANING OF THE WORD...

WEZ

Anonymous (March 18, 2003)

How can I recite the liner notes of a CD that wasn't relesed two months ago when I submitted the review?

I just happen to know a bit about Saddle Creek, that's all... I'm not name dropping... I don't know anyone that works for the label...

Crimeny....

WEZ

waste_elite (March 18, 2003)

"But how could you punch us, wouldn't your vision be impaired by the "unkempt locks" covering your eyes?"

that was beautiful

FortyMinutesWest (March 18, 2003)

But how could you punch us, wouldn't your vision be impaired by the "unkempt locks" covering your eyes?

Anonymous (March 18, 2003)

i think everyone reviewed this record.
wyzo

Anonymous (March 18, 2003)

this will surely be one of my top albums of this year without a doubt

abileneINlove (March 18, 2003)

Pretty sure "Mr. Mogis" didn't arrange these tracks on his lonesome.

You guys pound me for name dropping while this douche-bag recites the liner note. People like you make me want... to well, punch people like you in the face.

Anonymous (March 18, 2003)

I still think a great deal of Tim's lyrics are about Conor Oberst.

Listen to The Martyr on Domestica, all about Oberst

~jacobe

evildeadalive (March 18, 2003)

Hey melvyl, it's not funny anymore.

Melvyl (March 18, 2003)

i'm gonna review this cd now even though i havn't heard it, because scott is ignoring my demand to put up a picture of a mall next to all rx bandits posts...
HAHAHAHA
A PICTURE OF A MALL!!!

FortyMinutesWest (March 18, 2003)

I read this and thought:"well it doesn't sound pretentious, the reviewer seems to know Cursives back catalog, no one should bitch" But people always find something.

burstandbloom (March 18, 2003)

This album is so good. Cursive is so good. I love me some Cursive!!

Anonymous (March 18, 2003)

"Straight from the musical powerhouse that is Omaha comes Cursive's 4th full length album, entitled The Ugly Organ."

What a lousy intro! So typical, so overused, so amateur...

maverick (March 18, 2003)

Okay!

No more Cursive reviews!

Stop submitting them because they will only be deleted!

Goodnight!

-Scott!