On his debut solo album Gary Olson is trumpeting his indie pop credentials

 By Henry Lipput

Gary Olson could have named his solo debut album Swoon but it was already taken by Prefab Sprout. So he named it after himself but the self-titled release (Tapete Records) is an absolutely gorgeous collection that will make you swoon upon hearing it.

Olson was one of the founders and mainstays of the Brooklyn-based indie pop legends Ladybug Transistor. Since that band ceased operations Olson has worked as an engineer recording other artists. He released a single two years ago (the song “The Old Twin” is included on Gary Olson) and the self-titled album came out earlier this year.

Olson worked on the album over a period of eight years in his home studio in Brooklyn as well as another in Hayland, Norway, where Ole Johannes Åleskjær and his brother Jorn Åleskjær have the Tune-J studio. Basic tracks were recorded in Norway and then brought back to Flatbush for added vocals, horns, and strings.  The recordings would then return to Norway for producer Ole to finish the tracks. 

It’s fitting that the first song, “Navy Boats,” on Gary Olson mentions the past (“What a season / 1890”) because the whole album have a feeling of being from another time. 

The arrangements for “Navy Boats” are a template used throughout the album with a gently strummed guitar, a delicate vocal from Olson, wonderful string arrangements (George Martin fans take note), and Olson’s trademark trumpet playing. There are also lovely backing vocals by Suzanne Nienaber of Pale Lights which give some of the songs a Prefab Sprout (yeah, I went there again) feel. 

In addition to "Navy Boats" other highlights include the gems“Giovanna Please,”  “Postcard From Lisbon, and "All Points North.” The whole album has a lightness of touch than makes it a joy to listen to.

“The Old Twin” is one of the few out-and-out upbeat songs on the album; it doesn't rock as much as sway gently from side to side. “Afternoon Into Evening” and "A Dream From A Memory" are two tracks that sound like they are being played by a full band and the closest to being Ladybug Transistor songs. 

Next time: The Cleaners From Venus give us the news from July on their new EP.