A Modern Classic is Born
Rumors of the death of “the album” have been greatly exaggerated. Dipping into The Ditchflowers’ new Carried Away CD is like wandering into a rambling curiosity shop and stumbling out 45 minutes later wondering where the time went. In the tradition of classic albums like The Beatles’ White Album, Carried Away embraces eclecticism in its finest sense. From art-pop to rootsy romps to contemplative folk mini-epics, this timeless collection of songs surprises and delights at every stylistic turn. “Sweet Mercy & Understanding”—a bracing Tom Petty-meets-Motown expose of a relationship in crisis—coils strikingly beside “Boys”—a sweetly elegiac McCartney-esque ode to the joys and trials of a lifelong friendship—which contrasts nicely with the sweeping cinematic glow of “Spend My Life”—an infectious slice of pop heaven celebrating the infatuation of new love.

The Making of Carried Away (Listen to CD)
Recording of each song (with the exception of “Since I Met You”) began with acoustic guitar played to a click track. Ed used both his Gibson J-100 and Brian’s Taylor. Electric guitars were added—mostly Ed’s Telecaster run through Vox ToneLab, Boss GT-6 or Pod XT effects processors. Brian’s Fender Precision Bass was run direct or through a BassPod.

Most of the keyboard parts were written and generated by Ed at his studio, Tune Tree. However, that’s a real Wurlitzer electric piano (courtesy of Steve Connelly and Zen Recording) on “Kind Kind Kind.” A handful of other “real” instruments found their way into the mix, including ukulele, marxophone, bass harmonica, chromonica, and even the sound of a phonograph needle on real vinyl (courtesy of WMNF’s Flee). After hearing a rough mix of “New Skin,” fellow Sunshine Drenchy recording artist, Steve Robinson, surprised Brian and Ed by sending over some beautifully written, sung and recorded background vocals that now grace the latter half of that song.

Flying in the face of tradition, drums were recorded last. Kudos to all the drummers who rose to the occasion of coming in unrehearsed to tackle our studio concoctions. Despite intentions to branch out and work with new blood, Brian and Ed were soon forced to admit that Stan was the man for many of the tunes. So veteran stick-man Stan Arthur (Vodkanauts, Barely Pink) reigns as main basher on over half of Carried Away. The rest of the revolving team of drummers is made up of: Brian Thompson (Mosley, Sunday Quitters), who nailed “Home Away From Home” in one take; Danny DiPietra (The Headlights, Cold Joon), perfect for “Kind Kind Kind”; and Chuck Darling (Eli, The Sevilles, Nineveh Project) who came and rescued “Hearts Caved In” and “Spend My Life.”

To Brian’s and Ed’s surprise, the results are remarkably cohesive.