Analog Adventures: Up from Below

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Up from Below

(2009)

About the Artist

Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros formed after the dissolution of rock band Ima Robot. Alex Ebert spent time in rehab after the band broke up and devised a story about a messianic figure named Edward Sharpe. Sharpe descends down from the heavens to save humanity but is distracted by women. Ebert assumes the alias Edward Sharpe for this band, consisting of ten total members.

The late aughts and early teens of this century saw itself full of retro style music. One genre that dominated the airwaves at this time was indie folk. The genre is known for folk harmonies and instruments such as acoustic guitars, horn and string sections, and whimsical whistling and hand claps. Famous songs in this era include Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons and Ho Hey by the Lumineers. Indie folk became popular for the fact that it is easy to sing along to.

The Record Itself

Up from Below is a meticulously written and produced record. Nothing exists by accident, yet there are parts that sound as if they are improvised. The harmonies do not quite line up perfectly, but this adds to the folksy charm of the band. Unlike bands such as the Lumineers, Mumford and Sons, or the Decemberists, the Magnetic Zeros have a certain American Southwest sound to them. This is largely due to the use of the trumpet and Mexican inspired rhythms on songs such as Jade.

“Alabama, Arkansas I do love my Ma and Pa, not the way that I do love you” – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros -  Home

The most memorable song on this album is Home, which became something of a pop culture phenomena. Home is a duet by Ebert and Jade Castrinos, who sings in a beautifully controlled rasp. Conjuring up images of the great American landscape coupled with young love, the song is a hopeful and happy sing along. You can hear it on television shows such as Raising Hope, Community, and Glee. The song is also in 2014s Book of Life. The song beckons back to the charming duets between Johnny Cash and June Carter.

The inside of the gate fold.

The record contains two discs weighing in at 180 grams each. It resides in a gate fold with lyric inserts. The imagery of the album is another throwback, this time to 1960s hippie culture. The band locks arms on the cover, with the desert sunset flaring behind them as they jump in unison. Their distinct silhouettes imply their existence as individuals yet the lack of discernible facial traits show the collective nature of the Magnetic Zeros. Every member of the band makes individually important contributions to the music, yet the focus is on the band as a group. This Summer of Love attitude is the central theme of this album.

Is It Worth It?

Currently Up From Below sells anywhere from $10- 25 on Discogs. The record is full of catchy melodies and clever compositions across 56 minutes of music. If you are feeling nostalgic for the last decade, this is a good album to help you remember the good times. This record makes a good addition to any collection.

Outstanding Tracks

• Jade
• Home
• Simplest Love