South San Gabriel :: The Carlton Chronicles: Not Until the Operation's Through | Misra (2005)

I was sorting and deleting a bunch of crap I've downloaded from newsgroups over the past several months, and I stumbled across this booger. For those who may not know, South San Gabriel is another project from Will Johnson, the the singer/songwriter mind behind Centro-Matic and a few solo albums as well.

I've only listened straight through once, but I like it so far will re-visit at least once or twice today. Most reviews around make sure to point out the concept of the album: a sick cat. As stupid as that is, it doesn't interfere with some damn beautiful music because of Johnson's vocal style that has a tendency to mumble or wander off into the unintelligible.

I like Centro-Matic. Johnson's solo stuff is a bit slow for me, but I'm enjoying this if only because it's so damn easy on the ears. Harps, gentle harmonies, pedal steel, few strings and even a few programmed beats make some now-you-see-me-now-you-don't cameos in this group of mellow yet very open sounding arrangements. "I Am Six Pounds of Dynamite" is fucking awesome and I can't stop listening to it at the moment.

This ain't no headbanger, but it's a nice listen. Not as punchy as Centro-Matic, but not as slow as Johnson solo.

RIYL: Centro-Matic/Will Johnson, Crooked Fingers, Neil Young's Harvest.

Them devils over at Pitchfork said, "Sufjan Stevens ghostwriting for Neil Young," which might intrigue a few people, though Sufjan ain't my bag.

Other names brought up in various reviews: Iron & Wine, M. Ward, Ryan Adams' Heartbreaker

I've found myself in a place where I can only tolerate Johnson's vocals for a very short period of time. I really like Centro-Matic, too.

The little cat silhouette drawing from this album has been my MSN picture for a few months now.

The sick cat concept doesn't bother me too much. But I also find the Weakerthans' "Plea From A Cat Named Virtute" to be deeply affecting.

But is this another case of Johnson just tossing out unfinished songs? Because I almost like Centro-matic and his solo stuff, but he really seems (IMO) to be afflicted with BobPollard-itis. I'd like to hear what Centro-matic sounded like if he just slowed down a little and spent some time crafting the songs.

Elvis - would you be able to YSI the six pounds of dynamite song?

sounds tasty. do as modem suggests.

I see the Pollard similarities creep in all the time, but this one doesn't hit me that way at all. I've only briefly flirted with his solo work, but this is notably more low-key than Centro-Matic. The songs are a bit long for my tastes, averaging over 5 mins over 9 songs, but I don't notice it as much as I thought I would.

It's not going to fit all situations, but it's a very smooth, relaxing record.

Gimme a sec, gang.

I gotta run out, but I found "Dynamite" and another song on the SSG website.

http://www.south-san-gabriel.com/

They are right under the album cover, just scroll down a bit and you can't miss 'em.

I was also gonna upload, "I'm Too Young To Die", but like I said, I gotta go do some shit.

Does YSI refuse to work for anyone else?

It just keeps uploading and uploading and uploading for fucking hours. For one song. It never stops. What gives?

I quite like that "Six Pounds Of Dynamite" song. Much better than anything off the Johnson solo disc I've got.

And I noticed that Brent Best of Slobberbone has got something to do with South San Gabriel, which is always a good thing in my book.

I've been listening to "I'm Too Young to Die" pretty regularly for the past few weeks, along with the Dynamite song. Is the rest of the album that good?

nice review. i listened to a lot of will johnson's stuff a couple years ago. this makes me feel like pickin it up again.

I don't think so. That songs stands out for me too.

I got this based upon someone on this board's recommendation. I like it a lot, though mostly as pleasant background music. Slo-core and ambling. The lyrics are inane. I don't see the Pollard comparison at all.

I have friends who grew up in South San Gabriel, so somehow I thought it would be about cholos, not cats.

Pretty apt summary for my feelings on this record.

Listen to some Centro-matic and the Pollard comparisons might come into better focus.

I actually just recently got "Love You Just The Same"....I like the record. Now to connect the dots.

There are no rules or guidelines to follow in rocknroll so conveying a singular thought as a complete song is permissible. A snapshot in time...the end. Needn't go further. Need not develop. Move on. I feel any comparisons between Johnson & Pollard end there, because musically they couldn't be more different. That said, I'm certainly a fan of some of the older Centro-matic reckids.....'Navigational'- 'All The Falsest Hearts Can Try' - 'Redo The Stacks'...all worthy entries.

I listened to this today. Very nice instrumentation...kinda like that better than the words. Made me wanna listen to Japancakes.

I love me some Japancakes....

I don't have a clue what you just said... but I agree 100%.

I understand exactly what you're saying, caputo - but IMO the unfinished songshards are enough of a similarity to warrant the comparison.

Haven't listened in a long while, but some of the peddle steel lines certainly made me half remember long ago thoughts and conversations...its strange that you sometimes get whistful for the lies you used to tell.

I NEED A DRINK.

Yeah, completely. I prolly should've pointed that out.