Search - Black Swans :: Change (Dig)

The best album of 2007

Chess Master | Columbus, Ohio | 01/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am not a professional music critic, music scholar, or even musician. I don't really even know how to review a record album. But I love music and it has been a big part of my life for the past 40 years.



Having said that, out of the thousands of albums I've heard over the years, The Black Swans' "Change!" is one of the best, and is my favorite album of 2007. I have listened to this album repeatedly for the past couple of weeks and have concluded that there is not a weak track on the entire album, which is very unusual for any but the most elite artists.



Jerry De Cicca's vocals may require a little getting used to (think Leonard Cohen), but his whispery, talky, mellow style works very well with the music, and after repeated listenings is one of the music's strengths. His songwriting is outstanding; the songs would be as appropriate for a smoky (or preferably, non-smoky) bar at 2:00 a.m. as those of any small jazz combo.



Although the entire band is excellent, Noel Sayre's violin/viola makes the strongest impact. His sound weaves in and out of the music, producing an almost religious experience. I know that's over the top, but I can't think of any better way to describe it. It's similar to the way I feel sometimes when I hear certain music by Enya or The Doors.



When reading about a band, I like to know what other bands a reviewer would compare a band to. I guess if I had to choose a few, I'd mention Leonard Cohen, Tindersticks, Mazzy Star, The Cowboy Junkies (Trinity Sessions), or The Doors. None of these are great comps, but I would think that if you like any of these bands, you would likely appreciate this album as well.



On their website, the band describes themselves as Folk/ Experimental/Healing & Easy Listening. I guess that's as good a way to describe them as any. They are unique, and I highly recommend this album, as well as their first "Who Will Walk in the Darkness With You", and their EP "Sex Brain".



One final comment. This album is also released in a limited vinyl edition (500 copies). Each album jacket is uniquely handpainted by a student at a Columbus, Ohio vocational workshop. If you can locate the album in vinyl, you may enjoy the art and the vinyl experience, although be aware that two of the songs are omitted from the vinyl version. Personally, I like having both versions.



















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