I totally respect the power of music, and how when it’s made with honesty and untainted conviction it can truly become timeless. There is a very special band from the mid 80’s named Spahn Ranch, and they put out one record, Thickly Settled, which was released on Insight Records in 1986/87. This album has sonic healing powers that will amaze you from the very first note. The singer’s voice is enchanting and haunting all in the same breath. The guitar work that you will hear on Thickly Settled is so majestic and moving, that the guitar tones will have your nightmares dancing with your dreams. Spahn Ranch were good at creating tension in their tunes that would play off of the tranquil audio tapestry of darkness the wove. I must say that this band also had some really driving songs on this album, and the tribal feeling to their drumming always has me transfixed! What I have heard is that this was the first time that anyone in this band had ever played instruments, which I think made them have an open mind in the way they created sound. When you hear “Dissipation,” you will feel as if grey walls are surround you, but above your head are be sunrays from your past, and the fragile voice of the singer is your friend. From the very first twinkle of “Wonder and Perish,” your life will never be the same. It’s all of the languages that are spoken by the instruments that always have me saying Spahn Ranch are super radical. Do yourself a favor and blast their tune “Crutch” loud – the dissonant energy in this song will make you realize that this band are an American treasure. I’m a firm believer that music can bring people together, no matter what subculture you might call home, and Spahn Ranch is the kind of band that can do just that, unify! Let also be known that 20 years before there was ever a Godspeed You Black Emperor, their was Spahn Ranch. Do whatever you must do to find this record…below we are streaming four of CVLT Nation’s favorites from Thickly Settled.
[audio:http://staging.cvltnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/6-Each-Time-Centered.mp3|titles=Spahn Ranch Each Time Centered]
[audio:http://staging.cvltnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/7-Atonement.mp3|titles=Spahn Ranch Atonement]
[audio:http://staging.cvltnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/10-Thickly-Settled.mp3|titles=Spahn Ranch Thickly Settled]
Fred G
December 6, 2012 at 3:34 pm
I saw them as the opening act for the Butthole Surfers at Isis in Pontiac, MI on 4/26/87. Months later I met someone from the band putting up fliers at Bookies on McNichols in Detroit. I don’t remember his name. Saw them there a few weeks later. Both awesome shows. Lost track after that. I would really love to find a source to buy the album in digital form. I have it on vinyl but no resources to convert it.
Bradley Horowitz
November 17, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Wow. Thanks, Bradley (guitarist for Spahn Ranch.)
Ehrenfried Vierthaler
May 27, 2013 at 5:29 pm
Hi Bradley, an outstanding Album in every way!! Would love to get a Vinyl copy. No way to find one here in Austria.
Is there still one to get from you?
cheers
Ehrenfried
Bradley Horowitz
October 7, 2011 at 8:56 pm
That’s a pretty over the top review, I’m touched and flattered. (Bradley, guitarist for Spahn Ranch.) RIP Bob Sterner.
Brian Ross
March 14, 2012 at 9:58 am
Brad, that is NOT over-the-top. Speaking as a fellow Michigander, Spahn Ranch was the greatest, yes, the greatest live band to come out of Detroit in the 80s. You transcended genres, dimensions and realities. Seeing your band live (like in 88 in Pontiac with Sonic Youth) was like a holy communion, a soul-enriching, spirit-building experience, and one that left women breathless (from Bob’s gyrations – RIP) and everyone somehow cleansed. Too bad your LP never really captured that live energy (especially the sound after Hobey joined), but it is still a little treasure, one that I am listening to as I write this, actually. Everyone do yourselves a favor and find this gem. My vinyl is all worn out! Thanks, Brad, and Odell Nails (wherever you are) and Bob Sterner, whose spirit still touches me every time he sings softly in my ears.