Neo-hippie wunderkind, multi-instrumentalist collaborating with Father John Misty, Roy Harper, Conor Oberst, Jackson Browne... he wears his influences (seventies west-coast rock, prog to a certain extent) on his sleeve, as has been repeatedly noted. But he's a real wizard in the studio and I really love his sound: very organic, rich and sweeping, full of pretty flourishes.
His first solo album was lacking in the tunes and hooks department, IMO, but his songwriting skills improved on the second outing (Fanfare). Opus 3 (Rare Birds) just got released and it is once again sprawling, self-indulgent (at 76+ minutes), but also gorgeous sounding and seriously addictive, developing an irresistible flow - this time with some fabulous tunes.
I suppose this will be roundly dismissed as derivative claptrap, but to me it is a serious contender for album of the year.
Full album streamed here http://songsofjonathanwilson.com/
The artwork, font and choice of colour, however, are ill-advised to say the least.
Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
- Neige
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Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
Last edited by Neige on 12 Apr 2018, 20:14, edited 1 time in total.
Thumpety-thump beats plinkety-plonk every time. - Rayge
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Re: Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
Me. Like his stuff but haven't spent much time with this one yet.
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-the artist formerly known as comrade moleskin-
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Re: Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
I've dipped my toe in so to speak , several times, but nothings really grabbed me, tune wise. I will try again - tho your right about the album cover - ugh.
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Re: Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
Will check it out. I always had your initial impression, that he sounded nice but didn't have the best songs. It's great it sounds like he's gotten better!
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Re: Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
It's been on my playlist this week and it is terrific!
War On Drugs comes to mind when I hear this, the same kind of melodic sense but a bit more diverse and positive.
War On Drugs comes to mind when I hear this, the same kind of melodic sense but a bit more diverse and positive.
kath wrote:i do not wanna buy the world a fucquin gotdamn coke.
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Re: Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
His career is going properly. The first album was fantastic with a genuinely new sound and some obvious influences, the second a bit of a song-free disappointment and the third a big return to form. I need to spend more time with it, but there are some great songs here and it is immaculately produced with a lovely sheen to every song.
The artwork looks a bit crap, but it makes more sense in the flesh - the 2LP coloured vinyl version is a thing of rare beauty.
The artwork looks a bit crap, but it makes more sense in the flesh - the 2LP coloured vinyl version is a thing of rare beauty.
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Re: Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
Fantastic album, his best so far. Definitely one of my faves so far this year.The songs are so well structured, melodies ooze out of every song, the singing, playing and arrangements are exquisite. Can't praise it highly enough.
- Neige
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Re: Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
Not just me, then!
Thumpety-thump beats plinkety-plonk every time. - Rayge
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Re: Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
I liked what he did for Roy Harper so I’ll need to check it out.
- Neige
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Re: Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
Interesting how differently things can be perceived:
Neige wrote:His first solo album was lacking in the tunes and hooks department, IMO, but his songwriting skills improved on the second outing (Fanfare). Opus 3 (Rare Birds) just got released and it is once again sprawling, self-indulgent (at 76+ minutes), but also gorgeous sounding and seriously addictive, developing an irresistible flow - this time with some fabulous tunes.
In Facebook, the erstwhile Atomic Loonybin wrote:Sorry Felix, but I think it's terrible. No cliche left unturned. The first album was wonderful, the second average, this is just downright bad.
Thumpety-thump beats plinkety-plonk every time. - Rayge
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Re: Jonathan Wilson's "Rare Birds"
I gave up after the first one and don't think I'll return.
About the artwork: its looks like 70's West Coast rock/prog
About the artwork: its looks like 70's West Coast rock/prog
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