What’s better than a new Mo Troper album? A new Mo Troper album of Jon Brion covers, of course. The Portland producer, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has unveiled “Troper Sings Brion” (fit with an incredible album cover-homage to Harry Nilsson), a reimagining of Brion’s demos and gems that aren’t easy accessible on streaming or elsewhere on the internet. Troper did his digging and put his own spin on the tracks he did find.
Lead single “Citgo Sign” has his classic magic while still carrying all of the charisma that Brion effortlessly exudes. The OG sketch of dream pop goodness is fashioned into a jangly tune reminiscent of the Byrds’ first few records. It wouldn’t be a Mo Troper album if it wasn’t drenched in power-pop gloss, as soaring guitars and his worn-in tenor vocal (that flirts with the pearls of a vintage falsetto) take underloved rarities and make them into contemporary powerhouses you won’t be able to stop yourself from playing over and over.
With “For You To Sing” still lingering in our souls, the brilliance of Diners’ DOMINO, a new Bory record on the way and this absolute darling, Mo Troper has had one hell of a year. And if anyone’s gonna outplay Brion, I think we’ve found our man.
My album “Troper Sings Brion” comes out today, a collection of rare/unreleased/unrecorded songs by the legendary (and legendarily inaccessible) producer, songwriter and guitar hero, Jon Brion.
Lame-O Records Released on: 17th November 2023
The Fat Angel Sings 