Seemingly, we sleazy American folk have spread our strategic marketing grime all the way to our passive and amicable neighbors to the North. The only difference being that when an American gets their name on the press’s tongue they utilize it by coming out with a line of alcohol-infused energy drinks, while a Canadian utilizes their glory by creating a personal and artistically relevant piece of music. That, precisely, is what Godspeed You! Black Emperor member Efrim Manuel Manuck has and is doing with his upcoming debut solo album, hot on the heels of GY!BE’s epic and drastically unexpected reunion tour of the states. Go figure.
Efrim Manuel Manuck Plays “High Gospel” will be released on May 24 courtesy of the “all things Efrim” label Constellation. The record apparently addresses some happenings in the GY!BE member and A Silver Mt. Zion frontman’s present life, such as the death of close friend and phenomenally talented musician Vic Chesnutt (sigh) and the birth of his lil baby. Things you all can relate to, even if you’re not Canadian. Listen to two tracks from the album at the Chocolate Grinder.
In line with all Menuck-related releases, the physical record is elegantly ornamented with a 12x12 double-sided color insert inside a 24 pt. cardboard jacket with a matte UV varnish — and that’s just the LP version. The CD comes housed in a 100% recycled jacket, also with a UV varnish, and both the LP and CD come with a 9”x4.5” lyric sheet. Plus, did you see the cover of the album up top? Damnnnnn that shit is cute.
Plays “High Gospel” tracklisting:
01. Our Lady of Parc Extension and Her Munificent Sorrows
02. A 12-pt. Program for Keep on Keepin’ On
03. August Four, Year-of-Our-Lord Blues
04. Heavy Calls & Hospital Blues
05. Heaven’s Engine Is a Dusty Ol’ Bellows
06. Kaddish for Chesnutt
07. Chickadees’ Roar pt. 2
08. I Am No Longer a Motherless Child
• Constellation: http://cstrecords.com
