Devendra Banhart - Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon

Devendra Banhart
Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon
(09.2007, XL)
Verdict = Better Than Expected

Does it seem to anyone else that with all the hype that naturally befalls a release from Devendra Banhart that there was absolutely no fanfare, critical or otherwise for the most recent, Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon? The first possible deterrent, yes, following in step with Cripple Crow, SRDTM is a lengthy, bloated affair stretching every allowable centimeter of the CD that carries it. Psychologically, this has to be one of the foremost deterrents to the album. Who wants to sort through such a mess? The second, Devendra’s media presence (and lyrics) have grown ominously weirder awash with every facet of the bizarre gypsy life that he apparently leads. I will be the first to admittedly cast myself into this lot of over-lookers who, despite having an extreme affection for his past work, simply just let the album drift out of view without so much as a glance as it toppled over the water fall into obliviously lost albums. Well, it seems that the record has resurfaced for me and I’m inclined to tell you why you should be jumping into oblivion's waters to retrieve it for yourself because SRDTM is Banhart’s best since Rejoicing in the Hands left an entire musical community slack-jawed and starving for more. The album definitely showcases Banhart’s incredible versatility, evoking a tapestry of songs that weave in and out of differing genre moods as if he was their originator. Within a handful of tracks, retrieved from any place area of the album, you can find the frail ghost of Jim Morrison, reinterpretations of Grease era pop and constant caricatures of psychedelic folk and classical rock all filtered through Banhart’s skewed vision. The results are always satisfying and upon repeat listens affectionately memorable. It really becomes difficult not to love the album. So, while Banhart could be taught a lesson or two on thinning out his playlist, I am definitely not going to complain about one of the greatest unsung opus’ of last year.

-Mr. Thistle

Devendra Banhart - Shabop Shalam

Goodies

GOODIES
I keep forgetting to post all these lovely goodies that I run into. So, let's catch up a little today.

A new video featuring the song "Seahorse" from Devendra Banhart's new release Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon has been posted on youtube. It seems like a slightly jazzier side is coming out Devendra. Watch for this album to be released September 25th.



The end of October (the 23rd to be exact) we will see an amazing new album from Black Dice released. This album seems like it may just show a catchy-er side of the band. I already love this track. This is by far the best goodie I will be posting today.

Black Dice - Kokomo

Also, watch for the new Akron/Family album "Love Is Simple" which is due out September 18th. This single has interestingly strange lyrics. I am curious and want to hear the album front to back. I don't think that this one song is giving us an adequate representation of what the album will be like, but I guess we'll see.

Akron Family - "Phenomena"

I'm sure you have all hear the mass amounts of publicity that the new M.I.A. album is receiving. As much as I love Arular, Kala just doesn't seem to be holding up. It's more dancy, with a whole lot less of those deep base amazing beats that we grew to love from the old album. Here is a sample clip from a song she covered called "Jimmy."



-Sassigrass