So to the most eagerly anticipated record of the year so far in the Lightbody household, J Tillman's Year in the Kingdom. In the last four years or so Mr Tillman has quietly released a whole bunch (six to my mind, there may be more) of records that have gently shook me all night long and all of the day. His last, Vacilando Territory Blues was/is still very special indeed and listening to it makes the wait for this year's record much less frustrating. His prolific output is made all the more impressive when you find out he's also the drummer in the incredible Fleet Foxes and with all of their touring and recording still finds time to release all of these beautiful records.
Anyone that read last week's one on The Kissaway Trail will have no doubt noticed me gush about Bella Union and it seems maybe they did too as the label have very kindly sent me a preview copy of Year in the Kingdom which has gone some way to make much of everything else I'm listening too obsolete. Well maybe obsolete is a bit strong as there is much good stuff out right now but I'm finding it very hard to turn towards anything else as I can't turn away from Year in the Kingdom. It's that good!
Crosswinds maybe in fact be the best thing he's written to date. It may in fact be the best thing I've heard this year. Although anyone who's been paying attention will know I say that more times than is healthy. I get excited ok! It's better than the alternative and sure isn't the internet jam packed with people telling you how shit everything is. On this little island you'll only hear me talk of things I adore. Therefore it stands to reason hyperbole may feature heavily. So be it.
Anyway a million years ago I was talking about Crosswinds. From the angeline ooohhhing at the start you know something wonderful is about to happen and when he sings "we'll find each other where we promised" your heart feels like it's wearing your favourite sweater. This is a mighty, mighty song. In fact all the way to the perfectly lazy piano on the last track Light of the Living this is a joy to behold (behear?).
In the first and title track he sings "I'll give back my singing voice for one more day in the kingdom" for the love of all that is holy Mr Tillman please never promise such a thing, think of the rest of us.
The album is out soon. Please buy it and bask for the longest time you can in it's quiet magnificence.
Til next week all the peace and all the Club Orange biscuits to all of you.
g.x
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"... your heart feels like it's wearing your favourite sweater."
More joyous than listening or follow to all your fabulous recommendations is to read how do you text about the texts of other else ones. Even if you would paraphrasing songs with titles like 'Frightened Rabbits In Microwaves' or 'Nothing Else Splatters' it would sound sheer beautiful. This magazine can be enthralled to have you as regularly essayist now. Don't stop your enthusiasm. It is a wonderful balance to all those negatively critics are to read in other music magazines about Bands & Co. We need more Light(bodys) in music.
Posted by E. at 9:07 AM | 25/08/2009 | Report Abuse
Thank you mr G.L. for your regular input. It's refreshing to read your comments, simply written straight from the hart, without all the fuss and frills thought necessary to add by others who think more about themselves than the artist(s) they are reviewing. I'd like to share what's on my I Pod with you. Take Care.
Posted by L.G. at 2:36 PM | 28/08/2009 | Report Abuse
Agree totally on J Tillman on YITK. Music to die for and die with. Crosswinds is a song for the ages. Mind-changing.
Posted by Sad Blonde at 11:01 PM | 06/09/2009 | Report Abuse
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