The Ornament Hardly Art***

The Seattle-based songwriter Grant Olsen (best known, perhaps, by a discerning few as half of the duo Arthur Yu) has been through the joys of life and woes of death in the past four years, and so his solo side project is imbued with elements of each emotion. At times referencing the gentler side of Lambchop and the mellow moments of Fred Neil, songs such as The Silver Lining, Hanging Window, The Companion, Hard Feelingsand Futurescontain nuggets of pop wisdom and wit the likes of which we haven't heard in quite a while. There is a strong 1960s pop sensibility to it, as well, that brings to mind choice singles by The Walker Brothers, production by Joe Meek and trills from numerous girl groups. Ultimately, however, you're left with a feeling of winning idiosyncrasy that seems to be entirely of Olsen's making. See hardlyart.com/goldleaves.html

Download tracks: Hanging Window, The Companion