Didn’t It Rain - Songs: Ohia (2002)

Ideated From: “Essential winter albums” on Treble

It’s funny how easy it is to let your prejudices and preconceptions color your contact with music. I admit that my first thought when I got to this spot on the list and saw yet another turn-of-the-century “cool guy” record (though tbf this article I’m working through is almost 10 years old), I thought I had the author’s measure. Maybe this was just hipster shit and I wasted my time going through his list.

It didn’t help when I put on the title track and got a lot of stuff right up front that I don’t usually like. Longer than it really needs to be, meandering, seemingly disjointed. I thought maybe I was in for a tough 43 minutes.

But then I got over myself, and really listened to the music instead of what my brain was yelling about it, and I’m glad I did.

I still don’t really like the lead track that much, but I get how you could like it. As I said on the Nick Drake write-up, I like a good tight rhythm to a song, even if it’s only acoustic guitars. But of course every musician has a different approach and every listener a different reaction.

After that, though, there’s a lot to like. What at first seems like just random strumming turns into some real structure on the next few tracks, with solid melodies and harmonies and a real purpose to each song. There’s also a lot more sonic detail and variety than just guitar strumming as we get further through the record.

I’d never really listened to Songs: Ohia or known anything about its late mastermind, Jason Molina. But I was won over by his approach to really emotional songs that are restrained but still very immediate. So shame on me for making assumptions. It’s a lesson I already know, but seem to always be learning over again.

Tracks I Liked:

Steve Albini’s Blues - Don’t know what this has to do with fellow midwestern punk and indie icon Albini, but it’s an affecting song.

Ring The Bell - an nice building momentum

Blue Factory Flame - On an album I was afraid would be too long and drawn out, it turned out the longest track was a favorite. Emotionally raw, and very evocative with the most full band sound