If you’re not depressed, listening to this album carefully enough will do the trick nicely.
This probably isn't the best album to listen to when you are a bit depressed. After the London bombings, that was my state. It's not a happy album. In fact it's a downright miserable album in places. There's lyrics about crying, there's a bloke hanging from a noose and a few suicides along the way. You're beginning to get the picture. If you're not depressed, listening to this album carefully enough will do the trick nicely. Great to play if you've got an over jolly friend you just want to quieten down a bit.
Joseph Arthur is one of the few remaining singer/songwriters that really puts his bleeding heart on show for everyone to see. He is a tortured soul indeed. The theme of the album is basically, he wants someone to come and rescue him from his crappy life. It is a reflection of his own reality. Here he is, rave reviews, a couple of film soundtracks and still not a household name. This may not be the one to do it, love.
The first track 'In Ohio' is a nothingness of a couple of minutes.
The second track, 'Can't Exist', is more like it, with its Tom Petty meets U2 type vibe. Its aggressive optimism will appeal to some. 'Devil's Broom' will appeal to all sorts, it's very grown up and continues nicely on the Wilburys meet U2 theme, this time with a hefty chunk of Mick Jagger bunged on top for good measure.
'Echo Park' is a beautiful folk tinged song that fills you with a warm glow and makes you go 'aaah'. Certainly one of the more accessible tracks on the album.
'I Am' is a corker, its moderately positive message about living in the 'here and now' rather than the past or in the future. It's the one with a clear Gabriel influence, a self-affirmation anthem. It should be used in seminars for those with self-esteem problems. "Repeat the words 'I am'". 'Leave Us Alone', is one of my favourites (if I had to choose). It's the X Files track of the album; a ghostly Bowie-esque chorus and nasty little lyrics will make sure you don't play this late at night.