Alec Tucker - Introducing Alec Tucker, Revised

Alec Tucker

Introducing Alec Tucker, Revised
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Some people describe the album Introducing Alec Tucker, Revised by Alec Tucker as sounding like The Beatles on heroin. After listening to the album I’d say it’s not a bad description. Tucker’s voice often sounds sedated more often than not (reminded me of Bradford Cox at times) and some of the music sounds like Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band pushed to experimental limits with ominous overtones. There are 10 songs here and more often than not these songs work because they are essentially pop songs with attractive melodies and harmonies. That being said Tucker pushes the limits of pop songs by experimenting with sounds. He does a lot of sampling of things like shutting a book or sipping a beverage and then implements it like you might a more traditional instrument. If you have heard Matthew Herbert you should get the idea.

The album starts with “Aura” which is a variation of scattered synth tones that is backed by light jazzy percussion. It couldn't sound much farther from the song that comes after it entitled “Nothing.” “Nothing” is actually one of the more traditional sounding songs on the album. Tucker sings in a low octave throughout and sounds as if he is barely exerting any force. 

Things start to get interesting when we get to “Girl.” The unique percussive sounds are where you start to notice the samples I was referring to earlier. His vocals seem more like improvisation as he repeats the word “Girl” that is thickly covered in reverb. “Free Lunch” is another highlight on the album while “Misty (Until I Die)” sounds like it could have been a B-side on an Atlas Sound record. The best song had to be “Infinity.” Tucker’s vocals have more emotion, are clear and are also the most harmonious on the album. The song is rather sparse but everything works. 

Tucker is obviously talented as well as ambitious on this album. The first half of the album is hit or miss but the second half is strong throughout. Take a listen.

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