2012.08.19 Rodan - Rusty

Color: Black

Released: 1994, April 4

Label: Quarterstick

‘Still entirely bummed about the recent passing of Jason Nobles. I’m sitting here thinking about what to write after that statement… I didn’t know the man personally… only by his music. So how much could his passing really effect me? I used to be so baffled by the passing of someone like, say Kurt Cobain, and how people who never met the man could be so torn apart by his death - like they had lost a close family member or friend. I’m well aware of the bonds musical appreciation or admiration can form. But it’s hard to fathom actually feeling the impact of someone’s life ending without actually knowing them on an intimate level and communing with them in close capacity. So my sadness at Noble’s passing is born more out sympathy for those that did KNOW him and my knowledge of his struggle with cancer due to his willingness to be so public about it via a blog on the internet… and yes, a bit out of knowledge that this person who created music that has inspired me and been appreciated on countless occasions by me is no longer living in this world. I have nothing but respect for Jason Noble and will continue to appreciate his music. I think mostly I am shocked at his passing. I knew of his struggle with cancer, but it seemed as though it was a battle that he was winning or at least learning to survive in spite of. But it seems the best reaction I can have is to keep listening to the music he blessed us with and to keep being inspired by it and to share it with others that they may be inspired by it.  I tracked down this copy of Rodan’s Rusty recently. I previously only owned it in digital form and so it’s now a welcome edition to the collection of wax slabs I have sitting on shelf that from time to time make it onto the turntable to be appreciated properly. The record is full of music that is both tender and menacing. Opener “Bible Silver Corner” is a composition of soft-spoken beauty. After it’s close we are immediately introduced to band’s ferocity via a two minute and some burst of metallic rage. Other tracks like “Gauge” would feature both of these facets seamlessly. After their demise Rodan would birth many great bands from the Louisville scene - June of 44, Rachels, Shipping News, Retsin, Tara Jane O’Neil’s solo work, Parlour and more. It’s curious (purposeful?) how tonally similar the artwork to Mueller and Nobles reunion as Shipping News and their first effort is to the art on this record.