- I Trawl the Megahertz
Infobox Album
Name = I Trawl The Megahertz
Type =Album
Artist = Paddy McAloon
Released =27 May 2003
Recorded = 1999-2002
Genre = Classical, Ambient,Chamber pop
Length = 52:29
Label =Liberty Records
Producer = Paddy McAloon
Reviews =
* [http://wc05.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:axfexqrald6e Allmusic.com] Rating|4|5|I Trawl The Megahertz is a 2003 album by English singer-songwriter
Paddy McAloon .The debut solo album from McAloon, it marks a notable stylistic change from his work with
Prefab Sprout , the act he is best known for. Eschewing the songwriting he became noted for the album is a largely instrumental piece with McAloon's voice only featuring on the seventh track "Sleeping Rough".Genesis and concept
Following eye surgery in 1991, McAloon was left nearly blind. Unable to read or work in his normal way, McAloon took to listening to late night radio talk shows and documentaries. [ [http://www.archive.org/details/PaddyMcAloonPaddyMcAloonITrawlTheMegahertzInterview BBC Radio Interview with McAloon] Archive.org] . Inspired by what he heard McAloon uses the source material to create what he describes as a radio play or a short movie. The album title track features dialogue found on the radio, along with words created by McAloon.
The album was initially created at his home on computer before it was recorded using 'real' strings. The voice on the title track is American actress Yvonne Connors, who recorded her contribution between 6.15pm and 8.45pm in room 551 of The Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, London, on October 25th, 1999. [ [http://www.ferhiga.com/prefab/psn_eng.htm|Prefab Sprout Liner Notes] ]
Critical Reception
Critical reception concentrated on the stylistic change of the album compared to his earlier work, however reviewers were generally favourable.
In the year end polls for 2003's albums of the year it featured at #22 in
Uncut Magazine and #50 in Mojo.In 2005 it featured in a Mojo list of 'most out there' albums.
Track listing
# I Trawl the Megahertz - 22'06
# Esprit de Corps - 4'51
# Fall from Grace - 3'38
# We Were Poor - 4'49
# Orchid 7 - 4'20
# I'm 49 - 3'48
# Sleeping Rough - 3'34
# Ineffable - 2'42
# ... But We're Happy - 3'48References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.