The Canadian band, Windom Earle is a spendidly quirky group of musicians who surprise with each recording. They present witty melodies that might be considered light-weight if it wasn’t for all the twists and cleverness apparent in their work. They could be described as an instrumental version of They Might Be Giants or perhaps Mogwai light. They also may well be one of the more generous indie bands on the internet offering, as they put it, “every song ever made ever”. Among several online recordings, including various side projects, are three excellent albums by this interesting group.

The Things I Do For Girls is their latest and best album. The first track “You Can’t Dance To Dreams” illustrates their Bolero-like tendency to start with a simple melody and maintain interest through imaginative embellishments. “Ode to Greg’s Cat” may be the best track ever dedicated to a feline. Other minature masterpieces include “I Saw The Way YOu Looked At Me”, “Touched By A Tranvestite,” and the funky “Beef Chow Mein”.

The New Technology and Standard Equipment are earlier and, in my opinion, less successful efforts. Nonetheless there is plenty of excellent musicianship and imagination on these recordings. There is also more sampling of dialoque which takes away from the full affect. The best tracks on The New Technology are “Trashyoldnoize” and “Blue House” while Standard Equipment boasts a smokin’ “No Class”, a fairly astounding 11 minute rock medley and a sweet sounding but oddly titled “The Clumsiest Cannibal”.

All albums are available in 192kbps MP3.

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