Dungeon Golds
Scott McCaughey has kept fans busy tracking down obscure releases. *Dungeon Golds* includes 12 songs that appeared on three of the five albums issued as a 750-copy box set called *Scott the Hoople in the Dungeon of Horror* on Record Store Day in 2014. Naturally, the box sold out immediately and now fetches collectors’ prices. The music here is more of what people expect from a man of McCaughey’s musical knowledge and preferences. “Zero Clowns” features R.E.M.’s Peter Buck (a Minus 5 veteran) and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy backing up the nod to vintage Bowie. “Chinese Saucer Magnolia” and “In the Ground” reflect a glorious Byrds influence.
Dungeon Golds was recorded primarily in the basement (a.k.a. The Dungeon) of Scott McCaughey, leader of The Minus 5. These songs are the product of sporadic spare moments of inspiration over the last few years. This collection was artfully curated, by McCaughey, from the extremely limited edition (750 copies) Record Store Day 2014 vinyl only box set, Scott The Hoople In The Dungeon Of Horror. In the process of compiling these tracks, McCaughey could not resist reworking several of these songs. As a result, half the songs are different versions than what appeared on the box set. This is the first CD/digital release of any of these tracks. Guests include, Peter Buck, Jeff Tweedy, Ian McLagan, Jon Moen and Nate Query (The Decemberists), Linda Pitmon, and many others.
"And though the sicknesses and death/come closer every breath/I've got no last requests/it's beautiful here" is typical of the sentiments you'll find on the Minus 5's 10th album—a tad gloomy, but nonetheless delivered with upbeat good cheer.
AllMusic provides comprehensive music info including reviews and biographies. Get recommendations for new music to listen to, stream or own.