Review: Alec Ounsworth – Mo Beauty

I’ve heard of, but never heard Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. So I have no basis of comparison for founding member Alec Ounsworth’s solo release Mo Beauty. And I have to say I won’t be running to listen to Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s music if it’s at all like this album. It’s not a terrible album. There are a lot of good songs actually. It’s just the production and the vocals that seem to take a potentially elegant and simple song and make it quite annoying. Several songs are cluttered with unnecessary noises. And the vocals are very nasally and whiny without much dynamic range. And a lack of articulation make it difficult for you to understand what he’s saying. There is a loose sound and feel and a heavy jazz influence throughout. The album was recorded in New Orleans so no surprise there. But like I said, it’s not terrible. “That Is Not My Home (After Bruegel)” is an epic sounding husband and wife adventure tale with a truly unique and fantastic chorus. Another good chorus can be heard on “Bones In The Grave”. “What Fun.” and “Obscene Queen Bee #2″ pretty much round up the highlights. There was only so much I could take at a time and it was really because of the vocals. I think he could benefit from having another singer to at least sing some of the songs and help break the monotony. Despite the negatives, it is worth a listen.