Elysian Fields - Bleed Your Cedar (1996)

Elysian Fields are a New York City dream pop outfit. The two core members are singer Jennifer Charles and guitarist Oren Bloedow. Jennifer Charles' vocals lend a fragile and ethereal quality to their pensive and dark sound. Most music journalists compare them to Mazzy Star, but Elysian Fields are much more dynamic, musical, and are, frankly, a lot better. I became aware of this fascinating band when Jennifer Charles appeared for two duets with Tod A. on Firewater's 1996 debut Get Off the Cross, We Need the Wood for the Fire.

Universal Music Group imprint Radioactive Records issued their first release, a self-titled EP, in early 1996, followed by their first full-length, Bleed Your Cedar, nine months later. Their second album was recorded by Steve Albini. Reportedly, the label wanted a more commercial follow up and, in the ensuing dispute, Elysian Fields refused to allow them to meddle with the recordings. Released from their contract at their request, the album remains unreleased to this day. Elysian Fields has gone on to release three more albums. Check out excellent fan site Black Acres for more info.

As a bonus, I've included their self-titled debut. The EP opens with "Star," which I've omitted because the track is also included on Bleed Your Cedar. There are some interesting guest appearances on this EP: Mark Ribot provides guitar and Chris Wood (of Medeski Martin and Wood fame) provides bass for "Diamonds All Day" and John Lurie provides harmonica for "Move Me." Check out the music videos for "Star" and "Jack in the Box":





Elysian Fields - Bleed Your Cedar (1996)
1. Lady in the Lake (3:53)
2. Jack in the Box (3:58)
3. Off or Out (3:25)
4. Fountains on Fire (7:00)
5. Star (3:42)
6. Anything You Like (5:11)
7. Sugarplum Arches (2:58)
8. Parachute (5:39)
9. Gracie Lyons (2:51)
10. Rolling (5:14)
11. Mermaid (4:21)
From Elysian Fields CD5 (1996):
12. Diamonds All Day (4:43)
13. Move Me (5:02)
14. Get Rich (4:51)

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