Spain – The Blue Moods Of Spain (30th Anniversary) (Rhino)
In 1995, in the wake of grunge and in the midst of the pop-punk and nu-metal explosion, something softer, more subdued, and subtle bellied up to the bar when Spain – the recording moniker of Josh Haden – released his debut album, The Blue Moods Of Spain. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Rhino Records has reissued the album as a limited edition 2LP set pressed onto translucent blue vinyl as part of their Rocktober campaign.
Haden is the son of jazz bass legend, Charlie Haden, and brother to the Haden sisters (Tanya, and Petra and Rachel of that dog.). With Spain, Haden carries on his father’s cool jazz leanings with mellow, melancholic melodies and a smoky, slow-core atmosphere that befits the album cover’s nod to 1950’s jazz records. While The Blue Moods of Spain might not have been an immediate hit among those grunge and punk fans, it certainly grew in stature over the years, becoming a cult classic.
One of the stand out tracks include, “Ten Nights” which sounds like a slowed-down version of a twinkling 50’s sock-hop ballad complete with cascading guitars and soothing melodies. Another is fan favorite, “Untitled #1”, which features quietly-propulsive drums and guitar strumming as Haden’s breathy vocals lament a love lost. The entire third side of the record is dedicated to “World of Blue”, a 14-minute slow-burning, yearning world of its own; the standout track is highlighted by the unmistakable vocals and violin playing of Petra Haden, as well as cello by Tanya. Later, the closing song “Spiritual” – an aching lament – was later covered by the late Johnny Cash and can be found on his 1999 album, Unchained.
Longtime fans of Spain will be thrilled have The Blue Moods Of Spain on blue vinyl and new fans can find solace in the album’s sultry and smoky moods. Find your copy at participating brick-and-mortar stores near you. — Justin Kreitzer for Icon Fetch