Molina And Johnson

Description

Consider the collective catalogs of these two prolific masters of the new American folk song: Magnolia Electric Co., Centro-matic, Songs:Ohia, South San Gabriel. Let’s be frank: a touch of artistic ego and a hint of competition can serve a nobler cause. In this collaboration between Jason Molina and Will Johnson, each seems to push the other to surpass himself, thereby elevating their performance and creativity. In a benevolent exchange of ideas, Molina and Johnson transform into two poets among poets, gathered in a workshop to create a unique and poignant elegy. The aesthetic and production style unique to each artist find a new and fascinating common ground in Molina and Johnson. Molina’s documentary approach, which consists of recording the space as is, resonates with Johnson’s subtle atmospheres and production tweaks; and Molina’s powerful, deep voice finds an ideal partner in Johnson’s soft, husky, equally moving voice. Although each individual performance is breathtaking, the musical fusion that was captured is absolutely worthy of the event. It was magical, and fortunately, that moment was immortalized so that we can all relive and appreciate it. In September 2007, after a Magnolia Electric Co. concert in Austin, Texas, Will Johnson approached Jason Molina at the merchandise stand. They discussed hats, their favorite models and those suitable for the stage, and, of course, pumpkins. They exchanged numbers on paper napkins. They got in touch a week later and, without batting an eye, struck a deal to collaborate. Five months later to the day, after loading all their musical gear at Echolab studio in Argyle, Texas, the two men were in Johnson’s pickup truck, heading to downtown Denton, where they picked up supplies for a recording session: food, beer, a BB gun, and plenty of marbles.