Jon Rooney continues his campaign of shedding light on underappreciated cultural figures (cf “Victor Bockris”) with Virgin of the Birds‘ low-key ballad “Minmae Shall Be Revealed.” It’s nice to hear Jon mixing it up a bit with this simple recording, playing acoustic guitar and singing low in his range. Over this soft musical bed – acoustic guitar complemented in places with subtle organ and clean electric guitar leads – he unspools an ode to a girl (reader of New Directions books, wearer of bergère hats) who probably appreciates the kinds of cultural references I sometimes miss (though I love the Joni Mitchell nod “We were kissing on the summer lawn / and you went hissing in the winter calm”). While I can’t say I understand the connection between the love object of this song and the prolific and underrated Portland-based musical project known as Minmae, I do appreciate the opportunity to give them a nod here. Between 1998 and 2009, the Portland-based band founded by Sean Brooks released a wealth of music. 2007’s 835 is the only Minmae album I own, but it’s a great one – recommended for fans of Jim O’Rourke, Fog, and other wilfully obscure artists who can’t refrain from crafting perfect pop songs. I imagine just anywhere one might dip one’s toe into the pool of Minmae will be rewarding.
Virgin of the Birds will play a set of original love songs and a Love cover at the BoW 35 release show next Friday at the Lo Fi. Join us!