Although billed as a trio, The Blue Up? serves primarily as a vehicle for lead singer Rachel who plays keyboards and guitar, in addition to writing all of the material. Renee Bracchi plays drums and Carolyn Rush plays bass on this 1995 release. Hailing from Minneapolis,
Spool Forka Dish was produced by ex-
Prince drummer
Bobby Z. The album consists of ten songs, six short, odd interludes, and the utterly pointless "h. sidakr of loops, " which is the entire record backwards. Aside from that "song" and the interludes, The Blue Up? offers an often engaging set of avant-garde pop. Rachel has a quirky, girlish voice which compliments her often child-like lyrics as on "Spoons for Seven" and "Sugar and Gold." The latter features
David Kahne contributing keyboards. Most of the album is acoustic guitars over dreamy keyboard passages like the Cocteau Twin-like "Capture This." However, there are a few more aggressive numbers such as the nervous, twitch of "Shine" and the driving "Exhibitionist."
Spool Forka Dish is a cluttered mess at times, but there's enough of interest to keep you listening. ~ Tom Demalon