What I am listening to - Donnie and Joe Emerson

The story of the Emerson brothers sounds a bit like the Shaggs. A father with the ultimate faith in his children, to the point he built a recording studio for them. In 1979, they self-recorded and produced “Dreamin Wild” but their story took a weird course. Discovered by record collector Jack Fleischer in a Spokane antique shop, they would be covered by Ariel Pink and the record would be released by Light in the Attic. Their story has been covered everywhere- Uncut, The Guardian, Pitchfork- so I will try to keep it short. Unlike the Shaggs, Dad Emerson was right and the boys had talent. In this brave new musical world, his feeling was true and the band (like so many lost artists) has been streamed millions of times. Like so many, it captures me with its mystery. A mix of Lo-do and self-production meeting the sounds of the time -yacht rock, soul, funk, psychedelia, power pop. In its nostalgia, it unexpectedly sounds as much in line with modern backward-looking bands than contemporary peers. Of course, why do I live the post-Sub Pop, post-Spotify, post-Pitchfork post- everything feel. If the Brothers had a name producer and a big budget, would it still hit the same. Would they have been huge with the right amount of guidance. And would I still find it a similar experience. It’s a fantastic conversation to think about. Even the album cover feels like some alternate history greatest hit. As opposed to the Caveat Emptor of “Philosophy of the World”, it’s not hard to imagine this cover sitting somewhere in the racks between Pablo Cruise and David Cassidy records Like Eddie and the Cruisers, there is a sequel. The brothers did record a bunch of songs for a follow up and Light in the Attic compiled those into a disc as well. (As an aside that I don’t know where else to stick, I venture through a lot of internet music conversations and a hit spot is “outsider” music which has certain qualities and is not synonymous with music that outsiders like. I was very bummed by the “ gatekeeping” in the discussion of music that I feel should be in its very definition, open-minded and inclusive. Outside of that bad experience, I am often reminded that I am available to have some fantastic discussions in some internet spots and am very grateful for that)