Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Band Of Horses – Compliments from Infinite Arms (2010)
Band of Horses – Infinate Arms (2010) – Something happens when a band signs to a major label. It could lean to the good or to the bad, but whatever the change, it’s always significant and noticeable. When The Decemeberists signed to Capital Records, most people were pretty skeptical. However, The Crane Wife ended up becoming a classic among their diverse catalog. So when Band of Horses signed to Columbia, I assume most people had confidence in their ability to keep their signature sound intact. The good news; you can tell it’s Band of Horses, the bad; the spirit and charm are gone. It seems like the deep conflict from their previous records is no longer there; they sound too comfortable. However for people that have never heard of the band, it’s a good introductory record. But for fans of the band, it’s a departure from the intimacy that made Band of Horses a bit more special than other harmonic folk-rock bands. Songs like Northwest Apartment, Evening Kitchen, and especially Compliments are very colorful and borderline glossy. If this is what we can expect from the band from now on, I’m not sure if I’m on board with this. But hey, Starbucks will.
C+
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
[mp3] John Prine – Long Monday from In Person & On Stage (2010)
John Prine – In Person & On Stage (2010) – Before listening to this album, I had never heard of John Prine. Some of you might look at me like I grew a penis out of my forehead, but the good news is, I love this album. Listening to this record was a bit of a history lesson for me. In fact, I became so infatuated with this album, that I ended up checking out his extensive discography as well as his history in the Chicago folk scene. With 14 charismatic songs featuring guests like Emmylou Harris, Josh Ritter, Sara Watkins, Iris Dement and Kane Welch Kaplin, this album shows the immense amount of influence Prine had on generations of folk/country singers. His stage presence is also a noticeable and nice addition to this little live album. You can sense his charm and his ability to stay humble and positive despite his lack of commercial success. I can safely say the record inspired me to look into Prine a bit more deeply and appreciate his obvious influence on bands I listen to on a daily basis. That seems to be the point of In Person & On Stage and it certainly makes it’s mark.
Pingback: UNDERLINE JOHN PRINE: Collected “souvenirs” over the web « NoMinorityMojoForMe@God