Who? Ola Podrida is the brainchild of composer David Wingo, who’s best known for his score work on such films like George Washington, All the Real Girls, and The Guatemalan Handshake. For his debut solo outing, the self-titled effort out today on Plug Research, the Brooklyn-native gathered fellow Texans Robert Patton (guitar), Matthew Frank (drums), Johnny Christ (keys, guitars), and American Analog Set’s Andrew Kenny (bass).
What’s the Deal? Ola Podrida play soft, pretty music, where nuance and space are as important as what is actually said and done. Instruments layer together subtly and deftly, creating an atmosphere that brings to mind the wide Western plains or old, not-quite-forgotten lovers. “I am what you’re waiting for/So stop looking all over town,” Wingo sings, his voice bittersweet, over the simple, stark piano chords of “Pour Me Another,” while on “Cindy” he sounds resilient and strong as he tells of a woman who finally decides to change her life. It’s part Neil Young, part early Lambchop, indie Americana that swells with the dusty winds and picked acoustic guitars and considers every move it makes with utmost importance.
Fun Fact: It’s no coincidence that George Washington director David Gordon Green chose Wingo to help write the music for his films: both grew up outside of Dallas and have been best friends ever since seeing The Karate Kid together in third grade. MARISA BROWN
Now Hear This:Ola Podrida – “Cindy” DOWNLOAD MP3
On the Web: Ola Podrida at MySpace
Talk: Would you want Ola Podrida to be on your soundtrack?
