Jul 03 2008
John Vanderslice - Emerald City
- Artist: John Vanderslice
- Album: Emerald City
- Label: Barsuk
- Release: 2007
- Links: Official Site
In 2004, John Vanderslice delivered on the enormous promise of his earlier work with his fourth album, Cellar Door. A little over a year later, Vanderslice outdid himself with the intensely personal Pixel Revolt. These albums marked a significant growth in songwriting and production, earning Vanderslice and engineer Scott Solter large praise for their meticulous recording techniques. Nearly two years have passed since Pixel Revolt and Vanderslice is back with Emerald City. The album puts its two predecessors into perspective while incorporating Vanderslice’s touring band.
Emerald City’s most intense moments are among its most satisfying. The distortion-filled “Time To Go” and “Numbered Lithograph” would have fit on Cellar Door, stylistically. On the flip side, the same can be said for the beat-oriented “Tablespoon Of Codeine,” a track that Pixel Revolt fans will appreciate. The album isn’t a victim of retread though. Opening track “Kookaburra” takes Vanderslice to gorgeous new heights. Much like the latest release from Spoon, a band that Vanderslice is close friends with, Emerald City refines what you love about the artist.
Vanderslice wrote the majority of the album while attempting to obtain a visa permit for his French girlfriend. U.S. Immigration rejected the request and the situation has yet to be resolved. The album’s lyrics, coupled with Vanderslice’s continued critiques of world affairs, reflect this period of disillusionment. The addition of Vanderslice’s band (David Broecker, Dave Douglas, Ian Bjornstad) makes this a tight affair, never trespassing against the restrained patience that his music so often strives for.
Although Emerald City may appear more compact than Cellar Door and Pixel Revolt, it still delivers on all fronts. When I first heard Pixel Revolt, it made me stop in my tracks. Emerald City is having a similar affect on me. Vanderslice is one of those artists whose albums just get better with each listen. From front to back, Emerald City is another success. John Vanderslice is on quite a streak. There is no denying that he is one of the best songwriters of this decade.
(7/12/07)
