THE LOST AND FOUND, 2ND EDITION

Both EPs include nothing but covers, including the prog/proto-prog classics from Pink Floyd ("Wish You Were Here"), the Velvet Underground ("All Tomorrow's Parties"), and Led Zeppelin ("Rock and Roll"), all set to amped cello, Melora Creager's disjointed vocals (usually layered on top of each other to give them range and depth) along with programmed drum and percussion sequences. There's also a tribute to Marilyn Manson's "Tourniquet" that I suppose was a result of his producing an extended single for her a few year's prior; and a weird inclusion with the traditional children's rhyme "This Little Piggy" (went to market, this little piggy stayed home?).

In between the first version and this one Rasputina had signed to Instinct Records and cranked out a studio release ('Cabin Fever') that had the band expanded to a cello trio and featured uncharacteristic industrial and electronic sounds for the first time. That lineup would splinter shortly after the album released, much like the band's first lineup disbanded after their first two records. Creager pretty took over the operation after that as a solo effort augmented with a real drummer and revolving accompaniment and guest musicians. So when 'Lost & Found' was reissued I assume she was riding solo once again.

The two new tracks are both rock standards, those being Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising" and the Pat Benatar 80s feminism anthem "Fire and Ice". The first sounds like something like the Cowboy Junkies on lithium (and if you know that band that's saying something). The latter is pretty much rocking with plenty of percussion and cello bowing of the wild abandon variety.

Nothing here is classic or particularly memorable, but like the first version of the EP it makes for a decent collector piece for hardcore fans. I only picked it up during a Rasputina buying frenzy a couple years ago that had me searching out mostly used copies on Amazon market and other websites. I have to admit I've never played it much and had to dust it off to refresh myself enough just to write this review. Three stars for them but only two for the rest of us, and not particularly recommended.

peace