originally released in a very small quantity in 1970, Simon Finn's pass the distance lay in obscurity and was sort of a record for those in the know to brag about owning. sounding partially deranged, yet totally honest, finn's vocals remind me most of the charles manson lp that was released in the same year. oddly enough, both albums tread similar ground, but finn didn't start a death cult (to my knowledge, at least). both albums are folky in vibe, political, and feature mostly the named artist and his guitar. but, this album is very personal, the songs sounding more like a man pouring his brain out onto tape and desperately crying for an audience.
the highlight track is the song "Jerusalem," which has an air of utter desperation to it, with finn's voice getting a sort of rough edge as if he were almost yelling instead of singing the lyrics (pretty much because he is doing that). this album is incredible, really worthy of the cult status it achieved. in 2004 david tibet took it upon himself (with finn's permission, of course) to reissue this album on his durtro imprint, and i think it may have been reissued on vinyl this year... not certain though, because i haven't seen it.
this is a great album that will appeal to fans of late sixties folk artists like donovan (yes, donovan), and the current crop of freak-folkers (devendra banhart obviously loved this guy). finn tours occasionally, released a "new" cd a few years ago, and even appeared as a "member" of current 93 (though by now that band has had about 200 members, so really that doesn't mean a whole lot, but i still LOVE current 93.)
get it. you won't be sorry.
Simon Finn: Pass The Distance
http://www.mediafire.com/?dbqd22zzhxw
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