The Missing Haul - Iron and Wine - Ghost on Ghost
I've got a couple of things by Iron and Wine the nom de plume of Sam Beam - a burn of Our Endless Numbered Days coupled with the EP Sea and the Rhythm, a charity shop copy of The Shepherds Dog here and Years to Burn the LP he recorded with Calexico. All of which I enjoy.
It therefore made sense to pick up a copy of the 5th studio album Ghost to Ghost from 2013 on the 4AD label.
Wiki writes - Ghost on Ghost exhibits jazz, pop, and R&B influences and contains a more relaxed style and approach in comparison to Beam's previous two albums, which he felt contained an "anxious tension" he wanted to move away from.
And therein lies the rub. I've no objection to artists experimenting and trying different things, But in this case it does not always work for me to the extent that it sounds dangerously like Jack Johnson in places.
The critics disagree with the Metacritic aggregator giving it a very credible 76/100. Maybe I'm being too harsh after a first listen and it will grow on me over time. I hope so. I'm clearly missing the anxious tension. Further listens are required.
We definitely need more anxious tension in our record collections.
ReplyDeleteWe do indeed
DeleteHow has Missing been lately? Still have good stuff? How are the prices? What’s the ratio of CDs to vinyl? - Brian
ReplyDeleteThey have moved to new premises in Oswald St south of Central Station.
DeleteCDs still cheap but vinyl at Discography prices.
70/30. CD/Vinyl
Discogs
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