WERS 88.9 fm - Album Review: Alec Ounsworth - Mo Beauty

October 19^th, 2009

The notion of a super famed indie rock front man calling a hiatus from his band is no news to the business. But when Alec Ounsworth of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! announced the production of a solo album, the indie community turned heads. Granted, the move seemed excessive, and almost an exploitation of his music abilities. Could there possibly be another grand idea of Ounsworth worth the listen? And then, Alec delivered the goods, complete with the album title, Mo Beauty, and musical talents like New Orleans native George Porter Jr. of The Meters, drummer Stanton Moore of Galactic, and soul jazz keyboardist Robert Walter of Greyboy Allstar's fame joining in on the gig.  This collaboration was bound to influence Ounsworth's album in a New Orleans-esque direction.

Mo Beauty is Alec Ounsworth's first solo album, and the Philadelphia based native took to New Orleans to record. Produced by Anti-Records, the album is a stretch apart from any of his works in CYHSY. Mo Beauty definitely displays Ounsworth musical range, as he ditches the melodic rhythms and synth sound for an ensemble of funk and blues progressions. Ounsworth's vocals on the tracks are still very much waily, similar to the likes of Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel and David Byrne of Talking Heads. But what is worth noting is the instrumental selection used in Ounsworth's tracks, and the investment put into perfecting this element. This is what separates the album from any of his works in CYHSY. Ounsworth ditches the more inconspicuous instrumental qualities of his former albums for an over-the-top sound. Mo Beauty flourishes with eclectic and vibrant jazzy tones, and blues organ sounds.

The track "What Fun," is perhaps the only song that fails to capture this southern style funk Ounsworth adapts on the album. Instead, Ounsworth peruses a more emotional, and melodic approach to the song, reminding us of his origins in CYHSY. For his first solo album, Mo Beauty is far from a disappointment for CYHSY aficionados. This isn't quite the Brooklyn or Philly scene that Ounsworth seems to entertain best, but who says a man of the north can't take part in the soul of the south?

- By Kyna Doles