Friends of WYMA - Circus Devils co-founder Todd Tobias - Medicine Show

Todd Tobias, integral part of later Guided by Voices, Robert Pollard's solo releases like Mouseman Cloud and founding member of Circus Devils (featuring terrific records like Capsized!), has released a solo album, Medicine Show. Self-described as a concept album about a "steampunk dystopia", it's got a variety of rock and experimental themes and tempos. In places it's fairly jarring -- almost reminiscent of some of Zappa's or Eno's more experimental work or "krautrock" like Neu or Can, but on songs like "The Long Fall" it's heavier than that, especially the guitar sounds. Tribal drumbeats and surf guitar predominate in places, and it's all pulled together pretty well... And there are some moments of beauty too - on album closer "Prayers To A Blind Sky", I'm reminded of some of Eno's and Bowie's instrumental works.

You know what else I'm going to do for you? I'm going to point you to a good review of the record. One of my best qualities is, I recognize my betters. Here is a review at Fluid Radio. In fact, if this type of music is your cup of tea, you may like to browse further in Fluid Radio's site.

Here's the video for "Manatoc Enters The City/The Long Fall":



And here is a free download of the song. If you like instrumental, experimental rock, I'd encourage you to check this out. You can learn more and order it at Todd Tobias's website.