Some bands/musicians reach a point where they have generated enough attention with their music that when they put out a new album it pushes them to exponentially increased fame (as Malcolm Gladwell would say a “tipping point”). The solid group of fans they have formed and the hard work from previous tours makes it almost unstoppable for them to not garner significant more attention with their next album. Often the assumption then follows that said new album contains the best music to date by this band, but often this is not the case. I feel this applies to the latest album by the Great Lake Swimmers, Lost Channels.
Do not get me wrong the latest Great Lake Swimmers album is full of worthwhile listens with Tony Dekkers’ luminous voice leading the band through well built folk songs. But this album misses a song which can carry the album (or as the music industry calls it a single). ‘Pulling on a line’ was put out as the single for this their 4th album but for me it (and any other song on the album) doesn’t hold a candle to some of their other great hits; ‘Your Rocky Spine’ and ‘Passenger Song’ from Ongiara, ‘Moving Pictures Silent Films’ from Great Lake Swimmers and ‘I Saw You In The Wild’ from Bodies and Minds. I take a lot more enjoyment out of these albums, especially Ongiara. I know these past albums drew some attention but I feel that GLS has gotten more praise for this album than previously; with a Polaris Prize Shortlist nomination and attention from down south (see this NPR video).
Nonetheless, I love their old albums and Dekkers voice and therefore they deserve all the praise they can get. Unfortunately sometimes the industry gives recognition at the wrong time, possibly based on cumulative work. They have been one of the named bands to be showing up at Whistler for the Olympics and I look forward to seeing them again. Also check out this Camera Music video of 'Your Rocky Spine', my favorite song and a cool setup here.
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ReplyDeleteI like this music stuff, I had a good influence on you
ReplyDeleteLet's agree to disagree on this. I think perhaps you need to hear Lost Channels on vinyl, which you shall do next time we cross paths (I also just picked up the Timber Timbre LP - incredible). Anyway, I am a huge fan of Ongiara, but Lost Channels is just a bit better in my opinion. I find the newest album to be more melodic and dare I say, melancholically sombre? That opinion stems from my mood when listening to vinyl, which is largely relaxing in the evening with a splash of some divinely rustic scotch. It's a peaceful album. That being said, were I to go out to see the band at a live gig, I would much prefer to hear songs from their earlier albums; it all comes down to atmosphere. Hope you're fitting into the BC lifestyle and enjoying yourself. The Peterborough indie scene ain't the same without you. Take care, and keep up the blogging musical reviews! Peas -James
ReplyDeleteHey James. Thanks for the comment, I think the only reason I started this blog because when I left my Ptbo friends, I had no one to rant to about music (aka I missed you). I loved your opinions on this album, there is more to it I think then other albums, thus the melody you speak it. But maybe I was just to big a sucka for the old stuff that I was never going to fully appreciate. I think if Im ever in Ptbo it will be me you GLS and some scotch in order for me to truly understand. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteHey buddy, good to hear from you! I was just at the sold out Hey Rosetta show with Kyle, Lee, Stuart and Vin. Julie Fader opened, and who appeared as guest singer for 2 of her songs? Tony Dekker of course. Justin Rutledge also appeared on bass for a few tunes. My only criticism of the HR! performance was that the crowd was not getting into it enough; too much head-bobbing and not enough limb-flapping. Great time though, they are an amazing live act.
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