Back in my LoFi days I stumbled upon Carissa’s Wierd (yes, “weird” is supposed to be misspelled, I’m not sure why, maybe just to trick people) and am glad I did. Carissa’s Wierd is a rainy day band that has fit my mood perfectly over the last week or two. I missed their last show in Denver this past summer, which sucks, because I was aware they were playing but I wasn’t aware of their (very well publicized) break up – I wouldn’t get the chance to see them live again.
Carissa’s Wierd can be described as LoFi, orchestral, folky, pop. Their songs are slight and filigreed. I can relate to them in the way that they don’t command your attention as much as wait for you to notice them. Jenn Ghetto and Matthew Brooke’s boy/girl vocals once again sucker me in with their understated resonance. Musically the blend of acoustic and electric guitars combined with violin, piano, drums, bass, and occasional accordion all blend together into a breathtaking, intoxicating mess. But it’s best if you listen for yourself of course.
Carissa’s Wierd split up in July of 2003 leaving behind three LPs. Their latest album “Songs About Leaving” was released by Sad Robot Records and can be easily purchased from them. However, their first two releases, Ugly But Honest 1996-1999 and You Should Be At Home Here were released on the now defunct Brown Records. Sad Robot has announced reissues of these two albums last year but they have failed to materialize. This is where KHUBS Radio comes to the rescue. Since I started hubs radio, each episode I have provided you with at least a couple of songs that are out of print, rare, or hard to find. For the next week or so I’ll be playing entire Ugly But Honest 1996-1999 album, after that I’ll play the entire You Should Be At Home Here, And then I’ll play a live set. I’ll announce it here each time I change it. I kick off our session the way Carissa’s Wierd kicked off all they’re live shows – with a tune called Heather Rhodes. Enjoy!
Related Links:
Sad Robot Records
Carissa’s Wierd Lyrics
Carissa’s Wierd Bulletin Board
Publicized Break Up In The Seattle Times
Not that it matters, but my favorites are:
02 – Drunk With The Only Saints I know
05 – One Night Stand
10 – Some Days Are Better Than Others
what’s hubs radio?
it’s a little streaming radio show i put together ever few weeks featuring a different band or musician. past show have included Azure Ray, Hammers Of Misfortune, and DJ Danger Mouse. To listen, either click the link in the entry above, click the KHUBS Radio link in the column on the right, or click here.
Wow, I’m totally in awe at your knowledge of obscure music…
will you be playing these carissa’s wierd cds again? i just got their third cd and want to hear the first two, but i just stumbled upon your site today- a month too late to hear 🙁 PLEASE PLAY IT AGAIN!i would be forever grateful! thanks!
do you know where i can purchase the first two carissa’s wierd cd’s. i have looked everywhere to no avail.
sorry andrew, those two albums are very hard to come by. try searching ebay every now and then. also try sonic boom records, they usually have some hard to find carissas’ albums.