Chris Knox, Seizure (side A)

Listening to Chris Knox's music is of course a different experience with knowledge of his current health issues. Since he brought so much life to his performances, and to just life in general, his records take on a different light knowing that the energy is no longer available. Fortunately, the records still stand on their own. Seizure is one his early albums, from 1989, and it feels a bit less mature and polished than the ones that followed (despite having been recorded mostly in studios). It features plenty of Chris's magical energy, but the performances aren't quite as controlled, and the storytelling is a bit less focused. A highlight of Seizure, "Not Given Lightly" remains one of Chris's most memorable songs. The songs are constructed mostly from guitars and cheap drum machines, so it's a bit bright, and Chris's voice manages to sound appropriately thin even when recorded by professionals. My copy has the simple yellow/black striped cover.