Artichoke .|: 26 Scientist Volume Two: Two Newton - Zeno

I'm old and lame. When I am not pushing paper, time wasters are sought. Much of it has been devoted vegging to lame TV like The History Channel. Watching biographies of dead people or re-enactments of ancient wars fills my useless information void . It also allows for procrastination of housecleaning (as a bonus, gives me a flimsy excuse for existing parasitically). Don't judge me!

Another excuse for parasitic living is Artichoke's "26 Scientist Volume Two: Two Newton - Zeno". The CD happens to be an indie pop compilation of quirky mini biographies for 12 dead scientists with an additional tune for "the unknown scientist". It manages to be somewhat informational and so enjoyable that casual listening would likely allow to bypass Artichoke's muses.

Timothy Sellers is the mad mind behind Artichoke. He wrote, performed and produced "26 Scientist Volume Two: Two Newton - Zeno". The music brews a semi-precious and lo-fi concoction of Super Furry Animals + Apples in stereo + They Might Be Giants. Just when you start to zone into his surreal dream of lo-fi deliciousness, he'll cleanse the palate with aural acid (yeah, there are moments that he'll throw in something intentionally unlistenable -- bastard).

I keep listening because of my masochistic nature allows me to enjoy being bitch-slapped every once in awhile. Many of you, I am convinced, understand my hunched-over position too. Tolerating those pieces gives you a sense of entitlement and prevents it from being universally loved -- like you've earned the opportunity to enjoy yourself.

Although the disc has an obvious lyrical theme, it plays with multiple personalities. Timothy's 1st four tracks reel you in and peak with his catchiest song, "Young, Thomas (1773-1829)." Each cut is so engaging, you can't help to listen to what else Artichoke has in its bud. "26 Scientist Volume Two: Two Newton - Zeno" following four tracks feeds paisley through the fog machine, but finally comes to terms with each side of its personality with the final six tracks.

Artichoke is not for everyone, but many would enjoy its delirious mood, oddball theme and frugal production.

check this band out here!