Dekkagar

Amazon.com
You don't really need to know that there are 70 tracks (more than half "mouth sounds") on Dekkagar's delightful opener, "Making Love (In the Natural Light)," to appreciate its Superfly-like charms. Chicago is the home of Curtis Mayfield Drive after all, and these Renaissance men--producer-musicians Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Califone) and Neil Rosario (Dolemite)--have strayed so far from Chi-town's jagged indie-rock traditions that the only way in which they honor their pale, testosterone-addled forefathers is by creating their own trajectory (with Urge Overkill's cover of Hot Chocolate's "Emma" being the only viable reference point). It's a smooth line, inspired by strands of soul from years past: to these ears, the likes of the Brothers Johnson's "Strawberry Letter 23" and, on "See No Evil," the melody of Stories' "Brother Louie." Breathy, sexy vocals, complemented by airy, moody arrangements, funky drumming, keyboards galore, and a nostalgic feel-good vibe render all the songs effortlessly memorable. So regardless of how much the National Trust are winking their way through this genre exercise, there's an irresistible sensuality in the Beach Boys-ish harmonies of "First Time That" and the Big Star-like, roots-rock feel on "So Anna." Each hyper-produced track will wash over you like sunshine and warm wind, making Dekkagar a sleek and shiny sleeper among the trainspotting indie-rock jet set. --Cyndi Elliott

Tracks:

Making Love in the Natural Light
Feather Clip
Neverstop
See No Evil
Lachrymosa
So Anna
From 7 to Mars
Mrs. Turner
First Time That

Amazon.com

You don't really need to know that there are 70 tracks (more than half "mouth sounds") on Dekkagar's delightful opener, "Making Love (In the Natural Light)," to appreciate its Superfly-like charms. Chicago is the home of Curtis Mayfield Drive after all, and these Renaissance men--producer-musicians Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Califone) and Neil Rosario (Dolemite)--have strayed so far from Chi-town's jagged indie-rock traditions that the only way in which they honor their pale, testosterone-addled forefathers is by creating their own trajectory (with Urge Overkill's cover of Hot Chocolate's "Emma" being the only viable reference point). It's a smooth line, inspired by strands of soul from years past: to these ears, the likes of the Brothers Johnson's "Strawberry Letter 23" and, on "See No Evil," the melody of Stories' "Brother Louie." Breathy, sexy vocals, complemented by airy, moody arrangements, funky drumming, keyboards galore, and a nostalgic feel-good vibe render all the songs effortlessly memorable. So regardless of how much the National Trust are winking their way through this genre exercise, there's an irresistible sensuality in the Beach Boys-ish harmonies of "First Time That" and the Big Star-like, roots-rock feel on "So Anna." Each hyper-produced track will wash over you like sunshine and warm wind, making Dekkagar a sleek and shiny sleeper among the trainspotting indie-rock jet set. --Cyndi Elliott

Customer Reviews:

A swirly stew of 70's soul.......2004-05-18

The overall sound of 'Dekkagar' captures the smooth, smokey grooves of 70's soul, but adapted with elements of the present. Just picture a giant stew where the main ingredients are Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, and Isaac Hayes. Add into the mix tiny morsels of Wilco, The Electric Prunes, Zero 7, The Eagles, Soft Machine, My Morning Jacket, and Tahiti 80...and you'll get this wonderous concoction of aromatic flavors. The album has a introspective dreamy feel to it, yet joyous and celebratory at the sametime. 'Dekkagar' is a soulful angelic symphony, with swirly funky guitars, a seductive dance of keyboards, horns and sparkling soundscapes. The old has become the new again, or rather...the old will never become old.

soulful pop; dark, moving, entertaining.......2002-04-25

This CD combines many aspects of 70's and 80's soul/R&B with aspects of late 60's and early 70's vocal oriented pop-rock that are not usually combined. The vocal arrangements are particularly stunning. One can only hope that Stevie Wonder picks up on this groove and sound, which is far more successful than the highly touted, Inspiration Information by Shuggie Otis, from 1974. Shuggie tried, and give him credit for that, but National Trust accomplishes what Otis and to some extent, Wonder, timidly start, but never arrive at with any sustained power or polish.

Average customer rating:

Dekkagar
National Trust
Manufacturer: Thrill Jockey
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000068LPE

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring Two Bonus Tracks: 'make it Happen', and 'cirile at the Peak of Yarn'

Rock Music:

Rock Music