The Novel Ideas— A Yearning As Keen As Hunger

The Novel Ideas are not new. They have been around for a few years and have an earlier album (Home) and two lesser releases (Lost On the Road and St. Paul Sessions) available in addition to a new release (The Novel Ideas) which has been ear candy for almost a week and is slowly turning into daily sustenance, much like Phoebe Bridgers’ Stranger In the Alps and Bob Bradshaw’s American Echoes before it. Hearing albums like this brings back a line from Scott Turow’s novel, Ordinary Heroes, to wit: “It suddenly hit me how much I missed music, for which I once felt a yearning as keen as hunger.” It is a simple concept and not a novel idea (see what I did there?)— immersed in music as I am (I take it with me everywhere I go and listen constantly), I still get that chill down the spine when something strikes deep. This album strikes deep.

It was simple click of the mouse that did it. I subscribe to Alternate Roots Magazine‘s weekly feed from which I follow leads to music I might otherwise miss. A week ago, they included a not-so-new music video by The Novel Ideas which tickled their aural fancy, possibly because it involved the Waconah Symphony Band and Choir (how cool for them). This is why I took the next exit off the music superhighway and turned right at Novel Ideas Boulevard:

You have to turn it up to get the full effect but it is there. In the chorus. The beauty and power of the harmonies. The Novel Ideas did not really need the backup but it fit so well. High school band and choir. What a moment!

I listened a few more times before heading down the boulevard, then made a few YouTube turns just to see if the band could sustain itself, first with a live but studio recording of the same song. They did.

Hooked, I started scouring the Net for any references to the band and their music, through a myriad of videos and articles and old reviews. It was not quite like other artists and bands I have researched for whom I could find little. There was plenty there. But they didn’t go anywhere.

I listened more and came to the conclusion that if no one was going to take up the standard, I would (though I am sure there are people as enthralled by the band’s music as myself— I just have yet to find them). And here I am, telling you that this new album (and, indeed, all of the previous recorded efforts) is one you need to hear and support.

he album is still new to me but I don’t hear it diminishing after numerous listens. The songs are strong, the performances exceptional, the voices exuberant when not downright heartrending in performance, the spine-tingling effect still intact, the music uplifting even when introspective.

Follow the links. Make up your own mind. Four voices, three songwriters, harmonies galore. Some of the best highs I have had recently. Even on the older releases. Limited Edition vinyl, too. Apply here.