Melora Creager has been the epicenter of Rasputina since the early 1990’s. A revolving door of talented cellists and drummers have come and gone, but she’s always managed to maintain a consistent and unique rock style.
Released in December, Melora a la Basilica has eleven tracks comprised of covers and re-workings of Rasputina classics. There are only 1,000 physical copies available. Creager recorded the album with new member and cellist Daniel DeJesus in an old factory called Basilica Industria in Hudson, NY.
Clowns (Goldfrapp)
A cello rock group covering a British dance group is interesting in itself, but Alison Goldfrapp’s lyrics lend themselves well to Creager’s style.
American Girl (Tom Petty)
Rasputina has covered Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd among others, so covering Tom Petty is not as strange as it may seem. There’s something about Creager’s vocal style on this track that evokes a Rocky Horror quality.
Wicked Dickie (traditional)
Rasputina’s version of this old southern song was first released on Frustration Plantation (2004). This is the first track on Basilica where Creager’s voice noticeably echoes, which greatly enhances the tune’s southern gothic feel.
I Want to Marry a Lighthouse Keeper (Erika Eigen)
In line with her usual randomness, Creager covers a song from the A Clockwork Orange soundtrack with unabashed glee. The song’s tempo is very similar to Wicked Dickie, so it certainly doesn’t feel out of place.
Rose K. (Rasputina)
This tribute to an ailing Rose Kennedy appears on Rasputina’s sophomore album How We Quit the Forest (1998). It’s given an appropriate melancholic boost by the echoes in the warehouse.
Why Don't You Do Right (Kansas Joe McCoy)
Originally covered on Thanks for the Ether, Rasputina’s clear lack of blues/jazz style doesn’t take away from the standard’s playful nature.
Rusty the Skatemaker (Rasputina)
The sound of the cellos and the echo of Creager’s voice mix exceptionally well for this Ether classic.
Green Finch/Johanna (Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd)
Rasputina’s 2007 release Oh Perilous World was a concept album presented as the original cast recording of a rock opera. Sondheim’s music fits into that world perfectly, and the duet between Creager and DeJesus works surprisingly well.
Girl Lunar Explorer (Melora Creager)
Originally from Creager’s official solo album Perplexions (2006), which is musically identical to her Rasputina releases. The warehouse acoustics add a kick to this song that is not immediately evident on the album version.
Soon Forget (Eddie Vedder)
Another interesting choice for a cover, Creager sings this Pearl Jam song from their 2000 album Binaural a cappella. For a minute and a half she utilizes the emptiness of the warehouse, and it is good.
Identity Tokens (Rasputina)
This Oh Perilous World bonus track is given its due. Creager belts out the lyrics with force, and is complimented by DeJesus’ backing croons. The song also contains a great cello breakdown. The best thing about Creager’s music has always been the fact that she understands how to play the cello like a rock instrument AND a classical instrument.
End (Wicked Dickie)
More of a bonus track than anything, this alternate version of Wicked Dickie is no less amusing as it contains a disruption by a train. The players never waiver, but its an enjoyment to hear Creager trying to suppress laughter as she soldiers on.
Cello Rock Goes On
The acoustics of the warehouse emphasize the quality of Creager’s arrangements. Her voice, which has always been a mix of strange, ethereal and playful, shows an increasing strength and total confidence. Daniel DeJesus proves he has no trouble keeping up.
Melora a la Basilica is as much an introduction to the new Rasputina as it is an excellent collection for fans. Creager and DeJesus played a few shows near the end of 2008, and it’s rumored that they’ve been working on a new album tentatively titled Sister Kinderhook.
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