Going to start with the new album of the week - Dan Arborise's Of Tide and Trail:
I put the album on shuffle on spotify, and hit the final track of the album first - Feet In The Sea Head In The Stars. I want to say this has been influenced a little by latter-day Pink Floyd in it's sweeping, atmospheric nature, but I think there is more to this song than that. It's heart-warming, almost spiritual - nice chillout music, if you're feeling a little stressed. You don't expect the lyrics to come along, but when they do they don't detract from a fabulous finale!
I went back to the beginning of the album now, and took it off shuffle - I wanted to hear what came before this piece. You immediately know you're in for an acoustic adventure here, built on a strong, folky-indie voice - a little of the Ray LaMontagne about it, but a touch more rock-n-roll!
There is quite a lot of depth to this album (on one listen, I did purchase this and am awaiting my copy), with most songs being 4mins+, and three over 7mins (including the last track on the album, mentioned above). And I don't feel this is just another musician churning out a clone-like album - it feels like a lot of time and energy has been thrown into getting these songs right. Some of the guitar play (see Cries, 4-odd mins in) on this album is magical, elegantly balanced in the background by ultra-chilled tones.
In an age where we have a lot of very bad music drubbed into us, with TV and media overplay, it is refreshing to hear a musician and a music without borders, without too much over-production and editing - this is is Dan Arborise singing and playing for all he is worth, and for that he should be commended.
I would honestly say, after only a couple of listens, this albums ranks in my top 10 of the year (I'll put this list together towards the end of 2009 in another blog entry - other albums potentially on this list are The Decemberists, The Doves, Marillion and Animal Kingdom - so, it's great to have a solo artist on the list now).
If you download three:
She Told Me How to Love Her
Cries
Feet In The Sea Head In The Stars
For more information:
http://www.myspace.com/arborise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrqIg1C95QU
The album has been added to Menace2Music's collab playlist on spotify - check it out at:
http://open.spotify.com/user/menoir16/playlist/1j3HXNYIHuGDfW7aLh5OlL
So, in conclusion, Monday's can be pretty terrific things! Here I find myself, listening to a fab album, plonking on my keyboard about music, and I've just spoken to an old friend who has got engaged! Go Monday!
I'm not even going to tempt matters with an iPod shuffle feature, as I'll only bring up some music that I don't really want to talk about!?
I hope you're having a good Monday, and the week has begun in a suitable fashion! Let Dan Arborise chill you out on a Monday too - well worth it!
All the very best - Menace2Music
menace2music@googlemail.com
http://twitter.com/menace2music
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