Disc 3 is a collection of unreleased material that is titled here Early Works For Me If It Works for You II. The material is the rough tracks that were not polished into Life Is Full of Possibilities, Dntel’s breakout album. Dntel had completed adopted his own style by this time and this disc has the most varied and most experimental work of the collection.
On “Paul Guitar”, a gently picked guitar is contrasted to a breakneck, distorted drum machine. Vocals appear on this disc occasionally. The best example of vocal work is “Don’t Try”. There is little singing, it is mostly repeating “You just don’t try” but the vocals mesh perfectly with the rhythm and melody. “Bluegrass (Short)” is most experimental track. Short snippets of stuttering electronic voices layer over a sea-like background. It could, and should be incredibly annoying. Dntel pushes the gimmick to exactly the right place to prevent that.
Other highlights on the third disc include “Fancy Ian” and “Ender”. These tracks sound like prototypes for The Postal Service songs.
As a whole, this is a strong, consistent collection of electronica. Only a few of the tracks drag on too long and become boring. The songs on the first disc and second disc do blend, but taking the discs’ a track at time, there are few weak spots. Disc 3 is the most hit-and-miss, but it is mostly hit.
If you are looking to delve into Dntel’s back catalog this is the perfect package. For those who only know him from The Postal Service, they may want to check out his more vocal heavy work first. This music is perfect for driving, chilling, or background music for anyone.
Article comments
1 - Salvador Navarro
Just recently purchased the three disc set of from itunes! I have got to say this album is truly one of a kind... its way ahead of its time in my opinion... this shows the very essence of Jimmy... i believe this is one of the best if not the best... very well done... a beautiful piece of art!! ^_^