SIDney Howard - JR Analogue Monster Ep. 1: Sends Of The Farther

Published Tuesday 30th July 2013
SIDney Howard - JR Analogue Monster Ep. 1: Sends Of The Farther
SIDney Howard - JR Analogue Monster Ep. 1: Sends Of The Farther

STYLE: Jazz
RATING 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 138184-20539
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £12.00

Reviewed by Oscar Hyde

Long time Cross Rhythms readers will know that Detroit-based Sidney Howard is the eccentric genius behind SIDzCarbonatedMilk. Here he brings some more tracks which are again dazzlingly original though if you wanted to pigeonhole I would suggest retro analogue synth mastery and a tribute to Herbie Hancock and the pioneers of jazz-funk fusion. This generously-titled record is both superbly talented and unbelievably FUN, or as one track title would put it, "F(Un in the S)ummertime". Puns abound, and not just in track titles; the catchy "Nacho Man" traverses the troubles of a rocky relationship with plays on all sorts of savoury treats. The backing is rambling, shambling, dense with sound and gloriously analogue synths, but the density doesn't detract from the fun; it adds to the bustling party atmosphere. Sidney Howard himself burbles and freewheels his main synth lines with glee and gallons of talent; the titular "Analogue Monster" is jaw-droppingly cleverly composed and performed. And in the midst of all the funkiness, God's not absent; "(Is It You) Who Will Rescue Me?" is a psalm in P-Funk harmonies, while "Feel Better (Comfort Song)" reaches out to a friend through God and prayer. This is absolutely my summer jam, and in all probability next summer's too.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Ricky Burkhead in Oxford, Mississippi @ 15:57 on Aug 3 2013

I agree with Oscar. JR Analogue Monster is jaw-droppingly cleverly composed and performed album. I was convinced of the genius of Sidney when I first heard "Please Don't HarmMonica" on analog cassette, which still sounds good today in my truck sound system. JR is funky with cleaver motives and rhythmic structures. The vocal lines and harmonies are hip and beautiful. I like the fact that he included his life long friends on this project. It's easy to discern that Sidney fellowships with God. Well done Sir!!!



Posted by Dan McCurdy in Harrisville, Michigan @ 14:31 on Aug 2 2013

Well, to be honest, I haven't this piece of music yet but everything Sid does is fantastic! How many hours we've sat around in his living room just blasting puns at each other! And as Sid would say, "Please Don't Harmonica!"



Posted by Katrina Johnson in Arizona @ 23:15 on Jul 31 2013

This is a collection of phonetically, lyrical, ingenious, music,
Which takes an appreciation for funk with the touch of
the holy spirit of the living God. Exellent music compilation, with
Impressive vocals and rhythms. I hear movie sound tracks!



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