It’s been 35 years since Mazzy Star’s debut album ‘She Hangs Brightly’ was originally released back in May 1990 (first pressing on Rough Trade and later in the same year via Capitol), so this repressing (having been unavailable for many years) is a very welcome addition to my collection. I had a very battered CD for many years, which was lost/stolen at some point.
The record has lost none of its charm in the intervening years, and its timeless beauty still shines through every single track. Hope Sandoval’s vocals are just as hauntingly (c’mon I had to use the word) gorgeous backed by the late David Roback’s subtle strumming, this is peak Dream Pop, in fact, this pair basically invented the genre.
Kicking off with the stunning ‘Halah’, the album floats by in a swirl of psychedelic blues-tinged folk so quickly and effortlessly, taking me back to my 16-year-old, stoned self, when I was first introduced to them by my old mate Si Norfolk via a mixtape.
If Mazzy Star is new to any younger readers, I can’t recommend this album enough (along with the rest of their back catalogue). 1990 was a superb year for music, and Mazzy Star were up there with the best of ‘em. R.I.P. David, thanks for the dreams.
About Seán Crossey
Seán Crossey has been part of the Manchester music scene for over a quarter of a century, whether that be deejaying, hosting events, artist management, journalism, presenting radio shows, or running his own successful PR business.
It’s quite clear that music runs through his veins. This is Seán’s chance to chat about records he’s recently bought, some may be new, some not, but they’re all on his turntable.
