Album Mini-review: The Twilight Hours — Black Beauty
File next to: Todd Rundgren, Ben Folds, Matthew Sweet
Minneapolis’ Trip Shakespeare was always a band apart; they never fit into most people’s idea of that city’s sound. Scintillating vocal harmonies (featuring brothers Matt and Dan Wilson) and shimmering melodies were their stock-in-trade. When they folded, Dan and bassist John Munson formed the less-quirky, more commercial (yet still superb) Semisonic. But hardcore Trip Shakespeare fans missed the slyly off-kilter, disarming intimacy of the older band. Leading the Twilight Hours on 2009’s Stereo Night, Munson and Matt Wilson captured the beauty of Trip but presented it in a more relaxed context. Seven years later the Twilight Hours return with the even-stronger Black Beauty, a disc filled to the brim with memorable melodies that are both heart-rending and hook-filled. A fuller sound strikes the perfect balance between the very best characteristics of both Trip Shakespeare and Semisonic.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.