The Book of Xen enjoins:
"Be simple, but not simplistic"
"Be serious, but not somber"
"Be popular, but not vulgar"
"Be long, but not lengthy"
After being grounded for some time, in order to undergo maintenance and various systems-upgrades, Xen-Air flight 84k is being wheeled out of the hangar.
There's a growing sense that the weather conditions may be auspicious to take this bird into flight once again - hence our presence here.
Xen's album 84,000 Dharma Doors was released worldwide in '99 by Inside/Out
music, on license from the group's label, Furious Skeleton Records.
Xen was conceived as an alternative musical identity for friends and former bandmates Paul Craddick, Ted Leonard, and Douglas Ott - who had played together since the early '90's in the progressive rock group, Enchant .
Paul wanted to write and record some music which would be at once more groovin', strange, humorous, and overtly "pop" than the signature Enchant sound. Having convinced himself that, in addition to his prosaic drumming duties, it was practicable for him to play the lion's share of the other instruments as well, Paul persuaded Ted to sing and contribute his excellent lyrical and melodic skills, and Doug to co-produce and play some outstanding supplementary guitar. The guys were joined by other guests - "Xentriloquists" - including a super-annuated relative, "Grandpa Benignus."
If the gods smile on these first, tentative steps back into the public arena, newly recorded material and live performances are likely to follow. Future Xentriloquists may include Bay Area staples Bad Platt on Bass, and Sean "Puffy" Flunders on the skins.
In the meanwhile, the album may be purchased here
and here .
