The Raincoats – Odyshape (Marble vinyl)

We Three is the Raincoats' own label. It has been remastered from the original tapes. With liner notes by Kim Gordon himself: "It was the Raincoats that I could relate to the most. They seemed like ordinary people making extraordinary music. Music that was natural, but still had room for personality. They were confident enough to show vulnerability and be themselves without wrapping themselves in the cloak of male punk rock aggression or ironically exploiting women as sex symbols."

Geoff Travis from Rough Trade also remembers: "We just loved what the Raincoats were doing - they were a really exciting band. The fact that they started their own traditions and were really unique was the good thing. You couldn't get past them - they were incredibly fascinating - the variety of the two voices and their Sound was really unique - that was the exciting thing about this band."

Odyshape, the second album by The Raincoats, released in 1981, stands as a testament to the band's innovative spirit and refusal to conform to musical norms. Departing from their punk roots, the album embraces a diverse array of instruments and influences, creating a soundscape that is both challenging and captivating. The band's willingness to experiment with unconventional song structures and textures results in a work that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

The album's enduring impact is evident in its continued recognition and praise from critics and musicians alike. Its blend of post-punk ethos with avant-garde sensibilities has cemented Odyshape as a seminal work in the evolution of alternative music, inspiring countless artists to explore the boundaries of genre and expression.

Reviews

"Odyshape still feels like a self-contained secret floating out there waiting to be uncovered." – Pitchfork

"More than the exotic instrumentation, though, it's the extraordinary structures of Odyshape's songs that distinguish it." – BBC Music