On 1997's Tunnel Songs, Marc Olsen seemed to be digging those titular throughways straight down, or at least posting a "No Outlet" sign at their entrances. Two years on, he's returned with Didn't Ever...Hasn't Since..., and while it's not exactly a happy-go-lucky ska album, the presence of a full band helps Olsen reach for some sort of higher highs. Think of a lovelorn, slightly jaded Elliott Smith instead of a claustrophobic, embittered Smog. After the drifting, almost ethereal opener, "Missed," Olsen turns in two ...
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On 1997's Tunnel Songs, Marc Olsen seemed to be digging those titular throughways straight down, or at least posting a "No Outlet" sign at their entrances. Two years on, he's returned with Didn't Ever...Hasn't Since..., and while it's not exactly a happy-go-lucky ska album, the presence of a full band helps Olsen reach for some sort of higher highs. Think of a lovelorn, slightly jaded Elliott Smith instead of a claustrophobic, embittered Smog. After the drifting, almost ethereal opener, "Missed," Olsen turns in two relatively upbeat numbers that hang on a key ring of influences, but are nevertheless defined by his raspy, almost strained vocals. "Your Day" is gorgeous and lingering, skewing toward slowcore but keeping the overall Americana quality of Olsen's work. This is deceivingly potent stuff, and it can depress you for sure. But what else are you going to do on a long, lonely winter night? Luckily, Olsen isn't morose enough to resist a lightly funky instrumental. "Fly By" features a flitting Farfisa trading licks with a reverb guitar over a groovy, jazzy drum kit, and slowly fades to remain as a lone organ fighting the funk on its own. Side two (in effect) begins with "Horse Is White," which returns to the album's overall sound with a thumping bassline and refined bar band guitar. The album highlight arrives in the form of the pristine "San Antone." "But I hear your call/All the way from here to San Antone," Olsen croons, joined as he does by Anne Marie Ruljancich, who seems to echo his call from the depths of the Texas desert. The song builds deliberately into a pedal steel overture, getting you to nod your head even though there's precious little there. But just when the song is about to break into real rockingness, the wind dies down, and all that's left is Olsen and Ruljancich's harmony. Was it all a dream in the first place? Maybe -- long, lonely winter nights'll do that. ~ Johnny Loftus, Rovi
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Add this copy of Didn't Ever Hasn't Since to cart. $6.99, very good condition, Sold by Broadband ERA rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BEAVERTON, OR, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by My Own Planet.
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Very good. NOTE: Missing artwork, disc in slim jewel case (price reflects). 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Orders received before 3PM PT typically ship same day. All profits support the non-profit community. Free upgrade to First Class shipping.
Add this copy of Didn't Ever Hasn't Since to cart. $10.59, like new condition, Sold by Broadband ERA rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BEAVERTON, OR, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by My Own Planet.
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Fine. DIsc is in excellent condition. Case shows light edgewear, teeth in center ring are broken. (price reflects) 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Orders received before 3PM PT typically ship same day. All profits support the non-profit community. Free upgrade to First Class shipping.
Add this copy of Didn't Ever Hasnt Since to cart. $14.88, very good condition, Sold by Bedlam Books & Music rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Leominster, HEREFORDSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM.
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Very good. Slight rubbing to edges of cardboard sleeve, disc in excellent condition. Next day dispatch by Royal Mail. 1000's of satisfied customers! Please contact us with any enquiries.
