Hospital Ships – Oh, Ramona

Jordan Geiger has a gift for writing endearing lo-fi pop songs. As lead vocalist in Minus Story, his off-kilter melodies were the foundation for the band’s eclectic sound. But at times their production method, known as the “wall of crap,” obscured the subtle beauty of Geiger’s vocal approach.

With the release of Oh, Ramona, his first album under the Hospital Ships moniker, Geiger has gone solo and in doing so has made his songwriting the primary focus. Although Geiger does not diverge too far from the musical course he set with Minus Story, (ie. Brian Wilson, The Zombies, Neutral Milk Hotel) the work on Oh, Ramona seems different, more intimate and easier to connect with than his previous efforts.

The layers of sound and noises that accompanied many of Minus Story’s songs have been stripped away in favor of a more basic approach to production. On songs like “Mockingbird,” only Geiger’s delicate voice and guitar playing are left to guide us through his quiet narrative. “The Shots I Drank” uses only bits of keyboard for a fuller sound that still avoids overwhelming the vocals. And “Bitter Radio Single” makes efficient use of Geiger’s fingerpicking, simple percussion and a clever arrangement to create an energetic opening track.

Overall, Oh, Ramona‘s balance between cynicism and innocence makes it a solid indie-pop record. Somewhat simple but nonetheless heartfelt and further proof that sometimes, less is more.

Learn more about Hospital Ships through Graveface Records.

by: Harold Johns III

Goblin – Scary Good Music

A holiday like Halloween, centered around creativity, personal expression and marauding tricksters should be celebrated with an equally unique soundtrack. Yet, Halloween parties all over the world will inevitably play Bobby Pickett’s “Monster Mash” or Micheal Jackson’s “Thriller” at least once if not several times throughout the celebration. Hearing these overplayed songs on Halloween is equally as dull as “Little Drummer Boy” near Christmas, “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” during Hanakkuah, “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve, or Adam Sandler on Thanksgiving.

Luckily, The Rathuas has found an obscure band with a spooky name, perfect for anyone looking to add some truly creepy music to their Halloween mix – Goblin. Formed in Italy by keyboardist Claudio Simonetti in 1972, the band originally named The Cherry Five played prog-rock in the same vein as Genesis or Yes. But this changed in 1975 when director Dario Argento chose the band to finish the soundtrack to his latest horror film, Profondo Rosso. To keep with the theme The Cherry Five renamed itself Goblin and morphed their music into something decidedly darker but also greatly improved, and far more innovative than the British-style rock they had initially embraced. The results of the collaboration garnered critical praise for Argento and a top ten record in Italy for Goblin.

In 1977, after their second unsuccessful non-soundtrack release, the band broke up. However, by promising to shoot his next horror film Suspiria after the band created the music Argento was able to reunite Goblin. The soundtrack for Suspiria became Goblin’s best work and a perfect example of their creepy, intelligent sound. They combined heavy guitar riffs and droning electronic elements with spastic drumming and vocal chants to make songs that are truly sinister but very danceable at times. The title track stands out not only for its chilling cries of “witch!” but also because of the outstanding synthesizer solo.

Click here to listen to “Suspiria” by Goblin

Goblin was featured in a dozen other soundtracks including a heavy metal tinged effort for the Italian version of George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead before the band eventually dissolved again in 1983. But none of those releases match the quality or overall eeriness of Suspiria and Profondo Rosso. Choose either soundtrack, turn down the lights, turn up Goblin and enjoy Halloween.

by: Harold Johns III

Spooky Cinema Style: House of 1000 Corpses

When considering fashion in film, horror is not the first genre that comes to mind. A damsel in distress slowly shedding her tank top and jeans rarely constitutes a fashionable film. However, in the spirit of Halloween, horror has become the genre of choice here at The Rathaus. And while viewing some of the most terrifying films ever made we managed to find some great fashion.

Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses is a distinctly stylistic film in every aspect, including the costuming. With its clothing, the film chooses not to box itself into the trends of its time but instead uses unique pieces and combinations to create a sense of timelessness. The incorporation of bold yet muted colors, layering, sequins, and detailed jackets help draw the viewer into a world brimming with surreal violence. This is best exemplified with the character of Denise Willis who after being captured is costumed in a baby doll dress complete with knee high socks and doll-like makeup. As Willis struggles her way through the the House of 1000 Corpses she brings with her a childlike innocence that is further emphasized by the clothes she wears.

With House of 1000 Corpses Rob Zombie used fashion, cinematography, set design, and quick cuts drawn from retro-horror kitsch and his own celebrity persona to establish himself an auteurist. For the fashionably minded looking for a great film and a good scare this week leading up to Halloween, House of 1000 Corpses is one twisted carny ride you do not want to miss.

by: Tricia Rock

Turkish Delight Recap

We have returned from The Wonder Fair with photographs from the “Turkish Delight” opening, featuring new works on paper by Bernadette Zacharias. All work was inspired by the Eastern design themes Zacharias found while on a recent trip to China which can be seen in the decorative patterns used in many of the pieces.

No. 24

Girl With Pig

Tropical Sea Slug with Princess Eyes & Venom Vapors

Vignette With Wings

Octopus Wonder

Octopus Wonder (detail)

The Third Wish

Diginn Genie – serigraph

Bernadette, the artist, herself

photos by: Tricia Rock
posted by: Harold Johns III

Turkish Delight

The Wonder Fair presents “Turkish Delight,” works on paper by Bernadette Zacharias with music provided by DJ Candlepants. The opening reception for the show is this Friday, October 24th from 6-9 pm and the work will stay on display through November 27th. The Rathaus will be attending the opening so check back for images from the show.

posted by: Harold Johns III