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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (June 6, 1997)
New CD release ‘Coil’ conceals ‘buried treasure’ By Evan A. Denbaum Freelance Reporter I ' oad the Wet Sprocket’s new album, Coil, has a CD -L booklet that unfolds like a map. On one side, song lyrics are printed. On the other side is a collage of images: a world of deep blue hues, juxtaposed with the mask of a universal face, and a seascape hiding treasures beneath the water’s surface. The mask represents the facade erected by opening songs like “Whatever I Fear” and “Come Down,” which hide the album’s true nature. These first few tracks, which are instant radio singles, have the pace and punch necessary to satisfy music’s pop culture. They are fast and fun, drive-time tunes reminiscent of “All I Want,” the COURTESY PHOTC Toad the Wet Sprocket’s Coil features a hidden track that can b« accessed through the band's web site: www.houseoftoad.com. DreaKtnrougn, nit single respon sible for the band’s previous story through poetic imagery: “When you are light like a little uiuum, 1 C7U1 , gUlllg platinum. As the collage sug gests, however, this “music for the mass es” is only the water’s surface, reflecting today’s pop-music trends and traits. Dive beneath the surface and there is buried treasure — meaningful music with wise and witty lyrics. “Don’t Fade” is a song filled with rich guitar rhythms and REVIEW Coil Toad the Wet Sprocket ★★★★ (rich, moody music) uuy, nymg Kites ana shouting to the world. You’re shout ing to the world your joy...” As the song slowly builds in intensity, the voice and lyrics become more desperate. Finally, it breaks down to a solitary ^ guitar and fades away to a deep, reverberating voice, filling the moment. “Amnesia” is a brief but feverish anthem, destined to tne nearttelt, pleading voice ot lead vocalist Glen Phillips. He confides in the listener, telling a become the band s second encore and concert finale. This song begins and ends with screaming guitar feedback and is a melodic roller coaster in between. Although it starts with a steady voice and a solid pace, the song soon begins to roar, Ripping guitar chords and an impassioned voice take over, only to be silenced by quiet, lay ered vocals, echoing in stereo from ear to ear. Just as quickly, the music intensifies again and the ride continues, but the song eventually ends with the same abruptness as each change. And while those two songs are the album’s heart, track 10 is its soul. “Little Buddha” begins with a single guitar, and then a soft and gentle voice speaks Next, from the quiet comes the subtle sound of string instru ments. Gaining prominence, the violins’ and violas’ sound twists and turns a haunting melody, testing the waters of dissonance. Enter a solitary snare drum, marching the song along. The vocals and strings spar playfully, with moody cellos accentuating the lyrics. The words are mocking, literally laughing at the listener, but so disarming is the music that they don’t sting: “Life is suffering, tee-hee, ha-ha ... Cold and shud dering, tee-hee, ha-ha ... Lost and struggling, tee-hee, ha-ha.” Instead, the message proves ponderous and the lyrics unfor gettable. Finally, for the technocrats out there, Coil also features a hidden track titled “Silo Lulla by,” which is only accessible through the band’s web site — www.houseoftoad.com. The song, while certainly worth a listen, can be more trouble than it’s worth, especially for those still running relatively slow modems. The web site, however, is truly beautiful — both aestheti cally and for its simplicity of design. It’s also quite compre hensive, with links to tour date information, the official Toad newsletter and a complete discography. There’s even an explanation for the band’s most unusual name. So Coil, for the passing “alter na-rock” fan, is maybe an album best enjoyed through radio releases. But for those who cher ish Fear and hold such songs as “Pray Your Gods” sacred, Coil will be a deep, rich and moody musical experience. Exhibit embodies University Museum of Art’s leoacv By Shannon Sneed Oregon Daily Emerald I ' he life and accomplish ments of a key contributor -L and founder of the Univer sity Museum of Art’s permanent collection will be celebrated in an exhibit opening on June 14. “Pre cious Cargo: The Legacy of Gertrude Bass Warner,” offered in conjunction with commencement festivities and the museum’s 65th anniversary, will illustrate Warn er’s personal journeys and mem oirs, as well as pieces from the col lection she gave to the University. Warner was an American who traveled throughout Asia in the early 1900s and amassed an exten sive collection of Asian art, with pieces ranging from ceramics to swords. When Warner moved to Eugene several years later, she be friended Prince Lucien Campbell, then the president of the Universi ty, and donated her collection to the University in 1922. She was also a key planner of the construction of the Museum of Art, and when it opened ten years later in 1932, her pieces formed its core collection. Warner saw the display of her art as a chance to bridge under standing between Asian and American cultures and to help erase existing stereotypes. “[The exhibit] examines Warn er’s desire to bring the culture of Asia to Oregon,” said Heather Brown, a public relations and col lections assistant for the museum. “It represents how art is truly the bridge that helps overcome gaps in our cultures. ” The exhibit will be shown in three galleries in the museum. The first will feature Asian artifacts that Warner collected from 1910 1930, such as a throne used by the Chinese imperial family, swords, sword cases and ceramics. The second gallery will display Warn er’s personal journals, travel logs, photographs and letters from her journeys in Asia. The third gallery will display some of the history and preliminary sketches of the construction of the Museum of Art. The exhibit will also feature several pieces from the museum’s archives that have never before been displayed. “This is an opportunity to get to know the museum now because we’re unearthing part of our lega cy,” Brown said. Warner worked hard to create a peaceful understanding between Asia and America, both through her art collection and through sev eral exchange programs that she established. “[The exhibit] is more than just a collection of art,” said Lawrence Fong, associate director for the museum and curator of the exhib it. “It is the hope for peace through the shared experience in viewing the beauty of art.” Exhibit tours and refreshments will be offered at an open house on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit will continue through September 28. For more informa tion, call 346-3027. 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