Linda Perhacs: Parallelograms CD reissue

The CD reissue of Linda Perhacs's Parallelograms illustrates that a CD mastered carefully from a vinyl pressing can still sound great. More importantly, it returns to print a beautiful singer-songwriter album from 1970. While Shelley Manne contributes drums and Oliver Nelson co-wrote one song, the music is built on haunting guitar and vocal performances. Perhacs's vocals draw comparisons to Joni Mitchell, but the songs employ far more abstract structures than Mitchell's. The sparse arrangements also reflect the obvious influence of psychedelic music, with tasteful use of reverb, layered vocals overdubs, and panning. Even when many layers of overdubs are employed, careful recording keeps the atmosphere very light and sparse, returning the listener's attention to the beautiful vocals. (The Wild Places, PO Box 150293, Brooklyn, NY 11215)