ERROL'S HOT WAX
The Mary Column - Very Sparrow The Mary Column
Sometimes it can seem that every music scene is so many spinning plates, some very steady, others eccentrically bobbling away.
One of Glasgow’s best spinners in recent times is Jack Mellin – Spinning Coin mainstay, L shredder, Sacred Paws contributor, Pastels contributor. The Mary Column is his current indie-rock project, an outlet for some of the songs that might have ended up on a third Spinning Coin album. It’s extremely personal – affected by the pandemic, friendships, and particularly the loss of his father, who he was close to and who encouraged him as a musician. Very Sparrow is a brilliant document of this time – straight from the heart: vividly played music made from the madness of loss and the power of love.
The album weaves together Mellin’s incredible guitar playing and searching voice with longstanding pal, Chris White’s excellent, crisp drumming and features fellow travellers, Rachel Taylor (Hairband, Spinning Coin) and Simone Wilson (Hairband, Simone Antigone). Self-produced, Very Sparrow draws on his close community of dreamers to create a shimmering world that attests to both Mellin’s place in, and Glasgow’s pre-eminent position in contemporary independent music.
Very Sparrow was recorded with minimal additional tracking, and its economy underlines the urgent needs of the music. Themes of urban alienation, the need for connection, and pavement-based observations on life’s passing pervade the album with simple, aching feeling. Raw recognition of pain and joy combine in transcendent song, from the first fill of It Takes Time to the pastoral campfire organ of Wild Light.
Jack has always seemed community-minded, forever wanting to feel that sense of belonging. We’re all a little bit in awe of his guitar-playing, the generosity of his contributions, his melodic nous combined with that primal need for a guitar player that can kick it all off. But what this shows off most of all is his songwriting chops. I can hear his touchstone music all over it – Teenage Fanclub, Big Star, Husker Du, Meat Puppets and inevitably J Mascis / Dino Jr. Even more than that I can hear Jack. Very Sparrow is truthful, honest to Jack’s ideas, but it’s brilliant and fleet-footed too. If you’re a little in love with the music from Glasgow, want to expand your map, want something essential from the city in 2025, this is it.
Released as a limited edition on Errol’s Hot Wax. Very happy to say, our copies are signed.
SP
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Please note that we are a physical record shop so some items may be unsealed but they are unplayed and brand new. If you would really like a sealed copy, please get in touch with us in advance of your purchase.
