Ashworth's compilation heightens anticipation for full-length album

Ashworth's compilation includes rarities, singles, covers and new songs.

By Tom Carbone

Published Feb. 19, 2009

Chicago-native Owen Ashworth, known to the music community as Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, has been continually releasing full-lengths, EPs and compilation albums for more than 10 years. Known for his relatively simple, homemade beats, klunky toy keyboards and juvenile-esque lyrics, Ashworth has made quite a name for himself in this relatively small sector of the industry. Answering Machine Music, released way back in 1997, was the first time Ashworth produced and recorded a full-length record.

Right after he quit film school, he started working on this first debut. And now, 12 years later, he is releasing two new records. His newest full-length album is scheduled to come out later this year. But, in the meantime, Ashworth has put together a compilation to wet the palates of his longtime fans -- complete with rarities, singles, covers and new songs.

"Old Panda Days," the first track on the album, features Nick Krgovich and a nice change from Ashworth's last album, Etiquette. A self-produced hip-hop beat and a simple keyboard line accompany the two singing melodies together. Krgovich helped make this song sound a lot better and, as a result, started the album out on a very high note.

The outside contributions do not stop with the first track. Dear Norah and Concern also provide a helping hand to Advance Base Battery Life. "Hot Boyz," a Missy Elliott cover that features Dear Nora, has a Peaches-esque beat and vibe to it -- something that isn't seen on very many Casiotone releases. It's a change that really suits Ashworth well.

A very well done cover, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." features Concern towards the end of the album. This noisy, droning rendition of a classic is unlike any cover I've ever heard. If I didn't know the title, there is no way I would be able to pick out any of the words, but the fuzzed out melody still resembles "Born in the U.S.A." in a sick, distorted way.

A favorite on the album happens to only be 30 seconds long. "The Only Way to Cry," one of the few songs on the record that are under a minute long, was a single released earlier in the decade. It really stands out on this compilation for me despite its relatively short length. "Tonight, Missoula turned it's back on me," Ashworth shouts on another short track, "Missoula." These quick songs relay a simple message in little words -- a most important aspect of Casiotone for the Painfully Alone tracks.

While we did not get much new material from Ashworth with Advance Base Battery Life, some singles and rarities were put together here in a convenient fashion. While a lot of the covers are standout tracks, some of the original material was really well done too. Ashworth has really grown since his 1997 debut, and it is very evident on this compilation. If anything, this release makes me even more excited for his brand new full-length to be released later on this year.