Cotton Mather - Kontiki
On this week's episode, we discuss 1997's Kontiki, by Cotton Mather.
Produced by the band's songwriter and lead singer Robert Harrison and recorded on 4-track cassettes and ADAT, Kontiki is a low-fi sonic masterpiece that has garnered comparisons to the Beatles and Big Star. Originally released in 1997, Kontiki was not an initial commercial success. A re-release in the UK in 1999 breathed new life into the album and led to Noel Gallagher of Oasis to praise the album in the press as one he wished he'd recorded.
Kontiki is quite simply a brilliantly crafted album, one that channels the melodic brilliance of classic '60s pop while creating something that is fresh, unique, and deeply personal. Every track is packed with hooks, rich harmonies, and clever lyrical turns, making it an album that rewards repeated listens.
We here at This Is Vinyl Tap HQ want to extend a very special thank you to Robert Harrison, the lead singer and songwriter of Cotton Mather for taking the time to sit down speak with us.
Recommended on this Episode: Big Weather by Future Clouds and Radar.
Kontiki version of Cotton Mather circa 1997.
Pictured (L to R) Whit Williams, Robert Harrison, and Dana Mizer. (Not Pictured) George Reiff
Cotton Mather’s video for their single “April’s Fool” off of their debut LP Cotton is King.
Robert Harrison talks about Oasis and their love of Kontiki.
Brad Jones is a Nashville-based producer, engineer, and musician who helped Robert Harrison piece together the final version of Kontiki from the various cassettes and ADATs the songs were recorded on.
Cotton Mather performs “My Before and After” live in Spain on Radio 3.
