Biography
From humble beginnings, the talented young Canadian Matthew Ogle (from Edmonton, Alberta) occasionally made poor-quality basement demos under a variety of pseudonyms. Sometimes his "friends", who love and believe in him very much, renamed the files, and through the power of Audioscrobbler and world-dominating international espionage, eventually backed the production for his 2006 album release.
What may seem like a burlesque musical satire is surprisingly intimate — "From Alberta to the Albert: Live sessions from the Hot Grapefruit lounge" is an unexpectedly high benchmark for a first release. The songs unabashedly suggest long, hot and gritty hours spent in the studio and "auréoles sous les bras".
The musical variety is staggering – the themes are often of an autobiographical nature revealing Ogle's innermost thoughts. From the almost childlike poignant melody of "My Care Bear Pyjamas" (with an incredible harmonica solo) to the nu-post-awesomecore songs "Baby Got Rack" (a fantastic reprise of Sir Mix-a-Lot's notorious rap single), Ogle constantly amazes. The down and dirty "I'm a rocker, I rock out" (with incredibly realistic wookie howls / guitar) and the incontestably awesome "Your Mom, Your Face" is another example of the variety on this album.
On the other hand, some critics have argued that Ogle depends too much on the 'wuss-rock' genre. (Also known as sad-pants rock in Canada). For example, the impossibly melodramatic "Kitten"(a tribute to his loved cat that he was forced to part with), "Who Will Cut My Hair When You Have Left?" and "My Friends Are Jerks".
However, it is on these so called wuss-rock tunes that Ogle gives the very best of himself, playing the guitar from his heart. (For that reason, we can easily forgive him for a few wrong notes…) It is impossible not to imagine a tearful grip on the guitar; slippery cords; and a watermarked varnish when listening to these tunes. The plaintive melodies show an awesome power this previously ignored artist has to offer.
Ogle describes himself as a curious man; touching everything; going everywhere. The charming and handsome singer has a large following of lithe brunette French girls, for which he has an ingrained obsession. His captivatingly romantic "J'aime les filles françaises" puts a sharp point on what had previously been a long-time rumour.
After the relative success of his first album Ogle has retired to his quiet Battersea neighbourhood (near the famous pink Albert Bridge) in London to begin work on a B-sides and remix album. There is talk of collaboration with the world famous David Hasselhof.
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