The release features a diverse number of musical styles, from show tunes to funk, to 1940s pop to hard rock to 1970s disco. Throughout, there's a sense of wonder tinged with merriment and an excitement that these devices even exist. Which is, in fact, what Hearst is attempting to convey with his collections. Michael's previous album, SONGS FOR ICE CREAM TRUCKS, is presently being blared by at least 50 ice cream vehicles around the world.
Hearst is clearly not alone in his obsession – SONGS FOR UNCONVENTIONAL VEHICLES brings together a cavalcade of guest vocalists. A sampling includes Tanya Donelly (Belly, Throwing Muses), Neil Gaiman, Rachell Garniez, Claudia Gonson (The Magnetic Fields), Bill Janovitz (Buffalo Tom), and Syd Straw (The Golden Palominos).
"Gas Turbine Motorcycle" gets a thrash rock description that lasts an economical 23 seconds. That falls on the short end of the spectrum, as the 47 (!) selections run from 17 seconds to two minutes and 30 seconds. Listeners learn about crafts such as underwater battery-powered scooters, solar-powered race cars, pizza delivery drones, and a hot-air balloon shaped like the Cathedral of Saint Gall. No really. The tracks are listed alphabetically from "Airboard Personal Hovercraft" to "Zamboni." The book arrives a few days after the digital (and vinyl) drop. Hearst's flights of fancy will transport you – literally and figuratively.
Michael Hearst will be doing a pair of performances in conjunction with the release of SONGS FOR UNCONVENTIONAL VEHICLES. He will be appearing in person will be a full band on Saturday, May 15 at 3 PM at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park (presented by Barbès) and an online solo show on Saturday, May 22 at 3 PM, (hosted by the New York Transit Museum, appropriately enough). Click here for details about both shows.
SONGS FOR UNCONVENTIONAL VEHICLES is available from Michael Hearst's website, Amazon, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Here is the video for the song "Human Cannonball Truck":
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