I bought this on 9/11 14 years ago but like pretty much everyone else, I wasn't in the mood to listen to it that day, it would be the weekend before I gave it a spin. It will always stand out in my memory as the album that broke the silence.
Is why I pulled it out on 9/11. I actually was on my honeymoon the week before and knew Dylan had a new album coming out, went look for it but was told it was coming out the following Tuesday. That was my first day back to work, and planned on getting it after work...turns out it was about a week later It's my favorite post-Blood on the Tracks Dylan record.
I haven't purchased a lot of new music this year so I was afraid my favorites list for 2015 might end up looking a little thin. These two are definitely contenders. Still, I haven't heard anything that's absolutely floored me like Frazey Ford's Indian Ocean from 2014 though there's at least a couple that come close (like McMurtry's Complicated Game).
If you liked the direction they took with "Texas and Tennessee", you're going to enjoy this. Low key, but fully fleshed out sounds. Strong writing. Horn section toned back, more acoustic.
If you liked the direction they took with "Texas and Tennessee", you're going to enjoy this. Low key, but fully fleshed out sounds. Strong writing. Horn section toned back, more acoustic.
I'll join you. First impressions? I'll agree with Mr. Iowan - sounds like Texas and Tennessee. I'm not sure if I like that yet or not though... It's good, but it's glossier and quieter than what I've come to love in Lucero. Unlike W&W and 1372 I'll probably need a few spins before this one sinks in. Still good, but it's not GRABBING me yet, ya know?
If you liked the direction they took with "Texas and Tennessee", you're going to enjoy this. Low key, but fully fleshed out sounds. Strong writing. Horn section toned back, more acoustic.
I'll join you. First impressions? I'll agree with Mr. Iowan - sounds like Texas and Tennessee. I'm not sure if I like that yet or not though... It's good, but it's glossier and quieter than what I've come to love in Lucero. Unlike W&W and 1372 I'll probably need a few spins before this one sinks in. Still good, but it's not GRABBING me yet, ya know?
It's less immediate than probably anything they've done, but it's, I guess, denser? There's just more going on here with the sound. I think the songwriting is strong too.
W&W was just super immediate and hooky, but the middle of the album seemed to be Lucero-by-numbers with some uninteresting performances and very average songs. There was nothing on the first listen that just grabbed me like "Downtown" or "Like Lightning" did on W&W, but nothing that sounds tossed off, half baked, or lame. I'm on listen 4, and I'm not really compelled to put anything else on.
Iowan wrote:
It's less immediate than probably anything they've done, but it's, I guess, denser? There's just more going on here with the sound. I think the songwriting is strong too.
W&W was just super immediate and hooky, but the middle of the album seemed to be Lucero-by-numbers with some uninteresting performances and very average songs. There was nothing on the first listen that just grabbed me like "Downtown" or "Like Lightning" did on W&W, but nothing that sounds tossed off, half baked, or lame. I'm on listen 4, and I'm not really compelled to put anything else on.
There's definitely a lot more going on with the sound this go around. I'm only one spin deep so I won't pass any judgement just yet. I'm curious to know how this translates to the rock show.
New Lucero feels very forgettable to me. "Throwback No. 2" in particular is just a total snoozer. No real hooks, melodies, or much that grabs my attention, though I do still like "Warren Zevon's Los Angeles."
Edit: nevermind, what the hell am I talking about?
StormandStatic wrote:New Lucero feels very forgettable to me. "Throwback No. 2" in particular is just a total snoozer. No real hooks, melodies, or much that grabs my attention, though I do still like "Warren Zevon's Los Angeles."
I enjoyed that one a lot. Good build up/crescendo, and excellent horn work - on an album that doesn't feature as much horns as the last few.
I've always had a soft spot for Lucero + horns though.
It's my favorite post-Blood on the Tracks Dylan record.
