Magnolia Electric Company
So I just caught these guys for the first time last night at the Someday Lounge here in Portland. I have been a fan for a while, but it takes a lot to drag me out to a show these days. Magnolia is one project of singer songwriter Jason Molina. Mr. Molina has done his best to perhaps confuse the issue of what band is his, or perhaps he just feels the need to keep things separate and tidy. He used to call the band Songs: Ohia which was more of a revolving door of musicians with Molina playing the part of the door, then in 2003 three he recorded with a full band and the help of engineer guru Steve Albini. After this the name changed to Magnolia Electric Company, however he continues to release solo records under his parental given name.
The songs of Molina are soulful and seemingly rooted in loss or searching through hurt of romance, and have always seemed somewhat country to me (maybe it’s just the Dwight Yoakam size hat he’s been sporting recently). His voice is not bellowing by any stretch, but it cuts through, like Neil Young or Willie Nelson, and he reaches deep to pull just enough emotion out of it to keep the songs believable. Live, the band perhaps played a set that was a bit long for my taste, however with the aid of Jason Groth, who is a really fun and exciting guitarist to watch, the band really can pump it up here and there for some good old fist pumping rock, and then bring down the dynamics to make a quiet point of contrast.
They are still currently on tour with Tucson band Golden Boots who are an excellent pairing. I spoke briefly with Dimitri from the Boots after the show here who spoke with great admiration of the kindness and help Magnolia had been displaying towards Golden Boots on the tour. Lending a helping hand to an up and coming band is always an admirable trait.
“What Comes After the Blues” Live Lleida 2007-
Here is an Mp3 of the excellent song “Farewell Transmission” which they DIDN’T play much to my disappointment-
Magnolia Electric Company- Official Site
