r e v i e w s Monk - Blink True Tunes Flat Earth Records By Todd Brown I had long suspected that Ric Hordinski's Monk outfit was best experienced live and this was a suspicion confirmed within moments of the beginning of their Cornerstone 99 set. All the members of Hordinski's trio are true masters of their instruments and the live setting gives them room to flex their artistic muscle, moving into extended jam and improvisation sessions and feeding of the energy of the crowd in a manner simply impossible in the studio environment. Luckily for fans of Hordinski's work we now have the chance to take that live experience home with Blink, Monk's first live recording. Filled with remarkably crisp recordings of the trio's live work, Blink draws from the full range of Monk's work. Present are the Cockburn-esque acoustic instrumental "Willoughby", some more atmospheric electric instrumentals, an acoustic and electric version of "Wom cb of God", and improvisational track, and as a bonus for fans of Hordinski's work in Over the Rhine, Monk's version of "Circle of Quiet" a track written during Hordinski's time with Over the Rhine which first appeared on their Patience disc. Filled with exceptional performances showcasing the full range of Monk's work, from the straight acoustic right through to the Lanois styled guitar atmospherics, Blink is an excellent find. Also featured on the disc is a tasty multimedia segment which takes the viewer on a tour through Hordinski's Mersey Beat studio where all of the Monk work and much of Over the Rhine's recording has taken place. Hordinski gives a guided tour of the studio filled with enough tech info to keep even the most obsessive gear head happy. Combine that with some characteristically beautiful artwork from photographer Michael Wilson and Blink becomes a virtual must have.