Cosmic Portals: Gruff Rhys' Favourite Albums | Page 11 of 14 | The Quietus

Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

10. Jim O’RourkeEureka

The Nicolas Roeg aspect of Jim O’Rourke’s records is interesting, each following a Roeg title. But maybe this record is also a portal to an era of American acoustic music that Domino were licensing in the late-1990s that I would have listened to. I think maybe this is an overlooked record which sounded maybe more unique at the time – the production is so good I think it has influenced a lot of other records since then. And that great Ivor Cutler cover!

It’s a really great record as it combines experimentation and pop music to varying degrees. Very dark lyrics. Would I like to collaborate with Jim O’Rourke? No. In a way, I’ve no interest in collaborating with anyone. I’m not desperate in that sense and I enjoy being a fan of people’s music. Somehow by accident or through visiting a studio socially or something, I end up working with people but I don’t really crave to work with people… it could be a bit creepy
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Selected in other Baker’s Dozens: Lawrence English
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