Album Details

• Artist: The One Up Downstairs
• Album: The One Up Downstairs Ep
• Label: Polyvinyl Records
• Year of Release: 2006
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: symphony on 2006-11-10

Let's face it. Mike Kinsella is a genius. I refuse to remain unbiased. The fact these three songs were the only things the One Up Downstairs ever recorded is merely sad. But whatever Mike Kinsella's vocals grace eventually turns to gold.

When Polyvinyl Records released these three songs on iTunes, I leapt upon this opportunity like a lion. They are musically very relaxing and very organized. Songs like "Champagne," you listen to guitars start off calm and grow louder and then suddenly bring it all the back down to the calm. What's astonishing is as the guitars hit the climax, the drums blare out unexpectedly and then there, calm, relaxing all over again.

"Rememories" has an amazing intro with excellent bass on the part of Allen Johnson. It swirls in and out of song and is very noticeable and makes you want to jump.

Closing with "Franco the Bull," this instrumental isn't uplifted with Kinsella's vocals but it's a spectacular arrangement of talent that has excellent lasting value for an instrumental. Unfortunately, the band itself didn't last but these songs live on.

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