Pitchfork

There's a reason why there was never a song called "O Germany." It's 'cause those wacky Germans are confusing. Think about it-- you got Rammstein over there setting himself on fire, people tearing down big walls in Berlin, and everybody sounds like they're trying to hock a loogie all the damn time. And that's before we even get into discussing your old pal Adolf.

I don't really have anything against the Germans-- I'm of German decent, myself. But what's with this nutty Tied & Tickled Trio? They're weird! Sort of an avant-garde jazz/electronica group, they explore musical territories you wouldn't wanna venture into, even in clomping, steel-toed boots.

The disc starts off with "Rara Avis", a strangely haunting electronic tune with minimalist, clanging percussion. But before you know it, you've taken an unexpected turn into Happyland. "Mutant" consists of a snappy, pre-programmed drum track, topped with rich, creamy piano parts that sound straight off a Tortoise record. Wait a minute... what's that ringing? We've either accidentally walked into a swanky strip joint or fallen helplessly into "Tusovska Dub", a mostly bass- and percussion-driven number whose staggering beat is almost as clumsy as its title.

So, is the record bad? Well, no-- actually, it's a great listen, but only the first time through. And even then it's only really good because it's unpredictable. There is some great mix-tape fodder, though. Take, for instance, "Nordlied", which is a fantastic avant-jazz track, even for an old-school avant-jazz guy like John Zorn. And I like the title 'cause in high school, I had a choir teacher named Mr. Nordli, and this track sounds like something he might be into. Geddit? Nordli? "Nordlied?" It's... it's a joke...