Ripening (Ain't It Strange) [Mustard] Vinyl

Unleash the gritty allure of Mike Pope's Ripening (Ain't It Strange), an electric statement from the San Diego underground, released by Blind Owl Records. Drenched in mustard-colored vinyl, this record is a raucous departure from Pope's earlier folk musings, embodying the spirit of Dylan's controversial turn to electric in 1965.

Crafted with producers Dude Cervantes and Jordan Andreen, the album presents a visceral rock 'n' roll experience. Pope's transformation into electric vigor echoes through tracks that are emboldened with the energy akin to Joe Strummer's raw edges and the quirkiness of early Talking Heads. Each song serpentines into the next, driven by open-tuning guitar work and Pope’s storytelling prowess. The camaraderie of his band infuses these compositions with a palpable intensity and defiant spirit.

This mustard-colored gem shifts sonically with nods to the ruggedness of Neil Young and the psychedelic twist of Mdou Moctar’s influences, electric guitars reverberating through echoplex effects. It's a record that eschews ornate folk for a sound as bristling as Big Star’s heyday, brazenly tossing any preconceived notions out the proverbial window.

Ripening (Ain't It Strange) is not just an album; it's an electric odyssey. For ardent vinyl aficionados and collectors of Blind Owl's "100% Certified Analog" series, this masterpiece stands as a beacon of Pope’s adventurous artistry and remarkable adaptability, promising a sonic experience that'll resonate with daring rebels of rock history.