Throwing Muses are probably better-known for more frantic, chaotic music that is usually said to reflect the bipolar disorder that Kristen Hersh was living with. However, much of 'The Real Ramona' - from which this track comes - is more even and, dare I say it, conventional when compared to early songs like 'Hate My Way' or the whirligig that is 'America (She Can't Say No)'.
'The Real Ramona' was the last Muses album to feature Tanya Donnelly and I would guess it was a concerted effort towards mainstream success. I might lose Indie points for this admission, but it's certainly the album of theirs that I listen to most often. It's rhythmically powerful but balanced perfectly with strong a strong sense of melody, gorgeous ringing guitars and entwined vocal harmonies.
'Two Step' comes in with a chiming guitar figure, joined by a laid-back bass lope. It's a circular song that feels like it could go on forever, the fact that there are just a few lines of repeated lyrics adding to that feeling.
The intensity builds gently over the course of the track. By the time you reach the closing stages, it almost feels like the vocals are ascending into the ether, drifting away to who-knows-where. Fade to black.
Very gorgeous indeed.
Download Throwing Muses 'Two Step' (mp3) (Mediashare)
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