You might have read a few weeks ago about the tragic events that occured to the family of Rachel Jensen of Parenthetical Girls’ family. It would be churlish for me to try and go into it, or to try and comprehend the immeasurable sadness of her family, or to put the situation into my own words, so here’s a link to a memorial fund set up in Kris Jensens name. Details and how you can donate can be found on the website, so we can try make something good come from such a horrible event.
In terms of Parenthetical girls as a band, there are big changes ahead. Matt Carlson, who played many roles within the group, hahs now left, having played his final performance with the band on 6th September at Bumbershoot in Seattle. Whether or not he will be replaced is something that the band haven’t gone into, but given the immense talent already residing within the group, there’s no rush.
In the mean time, the band have two confirmed releases on the way, the most exciting of which is a split record of Morrissey covers with Xiu Xiu. Though the great Mancunians solo work has been a bit patchy is places (mid-to-late ninties, we’re looking at you), two of the most achingly beautiful and sincere bands in the world putting their own spin upon arguably some of the most influential lyrics of all time can only make me joyous in anticipation. No release date, but I’m going to be scouring for this from now until it’s out.
As well as having penned the music a piece of experimental theatre, the band are also releasing a tribute to Peel sessions legend Ivor Cutler, titled The Scottish Play: Wherein the Group Parenthetical Girls Pay Well-Intentioned (If Occasionally Misguided) Tribute to the Works of Ivor Cutler, which Tomlab records will be releasing around October.
The band also hint at a further release, possibly entitled Privilege. If there past albums are anything to go by, it should be brilliant.
Anyway, if you’ve never listened to Parenthetical Girls, Love Connection is probably the best place to start. I honestly think it is the most beautiful, honest and sincere songs ever written about romance. ‘I’ll start watching my weight again’ gets me every single time:
Parenthetical Girls – Love Connection mediafire
And in the interests of fairness, it’s only right that there is also access to the Casiotone for the Painfully Alone cover of it, from his album Etiquette. I’m still unsure of which one is my favourite:
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone – Love Connection mediafire
