So, how are people liking this new album? It's been three years, there have been babies born by band members- a lot has happened! I would love to hear impressions.
As for me, I am loving it. The BGT's musical skills and sense continue to make me dance around the house and sing full voice when I have a sore throat. I have to say it's kind of odd without Jolie Holland in there, but I am enjoying her music separately too. Frazey, Trish, and Parton are complete on their own, and that resonates. The song-writing, banjo, harmonica, and vocals combine in that trademark sound that is easily categorized as old-timey but is really so on-point right now that it's almost inaccurate to call it that.
The special treats on this album almost overwhelm it for me. There's the collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show on Parton's song "Crow Waltz"- it almost pains me to hear two of my favorite bands play together (the collaboration between Gillian Welch and OCMS gives me sensory overload too).
And then there are a the covers- and oh what covers! They are so different it just doesn't matter to me that they're not original works. The best among them in my opinion is the completely mindblowing cover of Neil Young's "For the Turnstiles." And, the cover of "When Doves Cry" is freakin' fabulous. I am always thrilled to hear Frazey sing, but to hear her reach back to a different genre and cover Prince is really fun, and actually does Prince some justice (and that's hard to pull off- I didn't realize it before now, but Prince is about as ballsy to cover as Stevie Wonder).
I am letting this album (and Bonnie "Prince" Billy's The Letting Go) lull me from autumn into winter, with just a dash of Brazilian Girl and Silversun Pickups, and it's making me so happy. That and the squash soup, of course.
My Trusted MOGs
So much to comment on here...first of all I am embarrassed to say that I didn't know about the new BGT record! I wasn't sure there still was a BGT after Ms Holland took leave. ITS ON MY LIST...
But as for Autumnal music...The Letting Go is perfect, as is the new Sparklehorse "I Dreamt For Years In The Belly of a Mountain"....it sounds like October!
Thanks for the post!
b
My Trusted MOGs
It's one of the great albums of 2006
They have always been a band on the edge of my musical radar but in recent months thanks to an excellent radio show called The Wrecking Ball broadcasting out of North Carolina they have become more central to my listening. Picking up Blue train for £1 about 6 weeks ago also proved that I have a hell of alot of catching up to do.
My Trusted MOGs
I love Blue Train and Chinatown...i am so ashamed! How did i not know they had a new record coming out...i am a bad music geek
My Trusted MOGs
This album had a quiet release- I can't remember how I ever heard... but I think I looked it up b/c they had a show in Portland, I saw the flier, and then researched if they had a new album! It was definitely not loud.
But it's really solid, and just enough more "up" than Chinatown, which I love, but which could inspire some kind of deep depression if I listen during winter : ) ! Seriously, it's a keeper. And for those of you in the UK, etc- definitely get excited to see them live! They are personable and mellow, but far from boring.
I can't wait to hear your impressions once you hear it, SatisfiedMind!
My Trusted MOGs
I did see Jolie Holland last Sunday....ah, that was great...voice of an angel!
My Trusted MOGs
funny. this band was one that i got turned onto several years ago, and i liked their records, but then i sort of forgot about them.
then i was on emusic one day and saw they had a new record. i downloaded it and i'm really enjoying it. it's too soon to really give it my take, but i think it's one of the better records this year.
great post.
My Trusted MOGs
Eschep,
So, what are you thinking now? It's been four days... I was just listening to this (shock) again today on a gorgeous clear cold fall day.
I'd be interested to see how it's progressing for you.