Wearing an Ugly Purple Sweater

Photo By Kristian Whipple

It’s your 8th birthday. The family is gathered for cake and presents, and wrapped in last Sunday’s funnies with a Peanuts comic prominently displayed on the front is a gift – a gift from that tacky crazy Aunt. Uh-oh. You know what it is. Everyone knows what is it. You can already make the outline of the Hecht’s or Woodward & Lothrop gift box. The question is, do you open this present first, to get it out of the way? Or last, as an afterthought – with nothing to cleanse the palate after the toys have all been opened? Details, I suppose, for no matter when you open it, it’s there: an Ugly Purple Sweater. Within the boarders of our beloved district, there’s a man and a woman who took it upon themselves to name their “apocalyptic folk rock” duo after this most unfortunate pieces of clothing. But why? Does the music make you feel embarrassed when you wear it? Does it scratch at your neck so incessantly that you’re bound to pull the collar way out of whack? Quite the contrary, dear friends.

You Are Alone But You Are Not Alone is the new record from Ugly Purple Sweater. Sam McCormally and Rachel Lord use a plethora of tools and tricks to mold a brand of music that’s actually quite accessible. The songwriting is solid and clever, the banjo is twangy, the whistles are infectious, and the male/female harmonies run together brilliantly. And Sam and Rachel have implored the help a couple friends to help round the sound during performances and recording.

But let’s talk about that record. One of the instant standouts, no doubt, is “Jumbo Slice.” A perfect snapshot of how so many of us feel living in DC. Not necessarily fitting in with the hipster, trendy, “I-only-drink-beer-from-Belgium-unless-it’s-PBR” crowd, but not quite one of the people clawing at the foot of “the Hill” who think they’re more important than they really are. It’s a cross between an explanation, a defense, and a plea for help from our city. Like we’re uncomfortable in our own skin – but it’s our skin. Plus, who hasn’t taken an out-of-towner to Jumbo Slice (usually around 3 am)? The way Ugly Purple Sweater is able to encompass that into song is actually quite a relief.

From there the album is just as strong while slowing down in tempo a bit, even with the banjo still in full tow. There’s a greater chance of hearing the sometimes tender harmonies that Sam and Rachel’s voices are capable of. The closing tracks on You Are Alone are just as strong as the opening ones – although they couldn’t be more different. “Anne H. Matheson” and “Riversnakes” are creeping tales, almost haunting in nature, but every bit as enthralling if not more.

This Ugly Purple Sweater turns out to be much more pleasant than an embarrassing gift from a wacky relative. And it has been rumored that an actual ugly purple sweater makes appearances on stage with the band. But as far as gifts go, You Are Alone But You Are Not Alone is something you’ll want to receive and something you’ll want to pass on to all your friends. And you can do so here by naming your own price to download it! And you should, because this is one you’ll be proud to own.

Learn more about Ugly Purple Sweater at www.myspace.com/uglypurplesweater or uglypurplesweater.blogspot.com.