It has been awhile since I have come across an album that has the ability to take me places from start to finish, and invites me deeper into its folds each time I listen to it. these days it appears to be all about singles, and the art of crafting an album experience seems to be dying out a bit. i love how the journey of listening to a complete album can take you down the meandering roads of restoration and reflection and can connect us to the kindred spirits of music lovers that we miss in our day-to-day lives.
a few of the albums that quickly pop into mind when thinking about these types of albums are: Joni Mitchell's Blue, Bob Dylan's Blood On the Tracks, Paul Simon's Graceland, Van Morrison's Astral Weeks, Gillian Welch's Soul Journey, Avett Brothers' Emotionalism. and my husband may argue The Best of Bread. :) This year, for me, it is Mumford and Sons Sigh No More. they maybe aren't of the same caliber as some of the albums I mentioned but their album is solid- all the way through.
Here is a link to a video from a couple of years ago of lead singer Marcus Mumford playing "Roll Away Stone" solo in Amsterdam, I think it is a good introduction to what is behind this quickly rising British group.
"and there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears. and love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. get over your hill and see what you find there, with grace in your heart and flowers in your hair. "
- after the storm by mumford and sons
what albums have you been journeying with lately?
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ReplyDeleteSo funny that you ask. I have been journeying with Michael Houser's "Sandbox." It is offically one of my all time favorites. I have always liked the album but have been drawn to it again this summer and have listened to the songs and lyrics more closely, over and over. It is especially beautiful to me because Michael Houser started the album before he passed away, and fellow band members completed it after his death. This situation makes the music and the lyrics hauntingly beautiful to me... can you imagine filling in the spaces - both with words and with music - that a friend had started but did not get to finish? I know he'd be thrilled with the end result.
ReplyDeletethanks Gretchen! i will have to listen to that. an amazing thing to think about, a way to communicate beyond the seeming borders of life and death.
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