Hard to Love a Man

Jason Molina and Magnolia Electric Co., like many other indie artists, kept themselves in business by releasing many records to keep their name in the press and remind fans that they were still out there, even if touring had taken them far from their town. In 2005, Molina and Co. hardly let up on their release schedule. The live album Trials and Errors, the studio album What Comes After the Blues, and this EP ensured that everyone knew that Jason Molina had moved on from his days as Songs: Ohia. Unlike on many later releases, Molina here sounds charged up and in a social mood, letting the band add input; Jennie Benford’s harmonies bring color to Molina’s often-drab communist grays. Slide guitar brings a country tint to the sweetness of “Bowery,” while an organ adds to the drama of “31 Seasons in the Minor Leagues.” The cover of Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” lets Molina break character and the band have a little fun away from the usual existential issues.