Search - Duncan Sheik :: White Limousine (Dig)

More of the same excellence, but still more of the same

Storylover | Philadelphia, PA USA | 02/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Score one more for Duncan Sheik.



This is not a new direction for Duncan, so if you are hoping to see a fit of artistic growth, well, go buy "29" by Ryan Adams. What you get here from Duncan is exactly what we have come to expect: lovely melodies, interesting and sometimes truly poetic lyrics, and --above all--craftsmanship in the production of his songs. For White Limousine, he kept some of the incisiveness of Humming, the intimacy of Phantom Moon, and even a bit of the commentary that bubbled under the surface (and sometimes boiled over) on Daylight. The strings and warmth that marked his first album have never been as lovely as they are here.



There is no standout song on this album, no obvious single, which I think is a strength. It seems that Duncan was focused on writing a collection of songs that worked well together. In this ambition, he has succeeded singularly. The structure of each song is perfectly supported by its arrangement, its production. There are a number of agreeable sonic surprises here, including some very nice effects on his voice and guitar.



Speaking of Duncan's voice, allow me to say that it has never sounded warmer. Time has done lovely things to his depth, his intonation, and even his power. The reedyness is still there when he pushes, but now he uses it instead of being trapped by it. The gentle lower ranges of his voice have become truly beautiful.



If you have enjoyed Duncan's past albums, this is one that will seem, almost instantly, as if you have heard it before. And that is perhaps one of the highest complement that you can give to an artist that has never been strikingly original, but who is always deeply consistent, highly thoughtful, and above all, capable of producing genuinely effective music listenable over the long term. Definitely recommended."

Don't be misguided - like it or not, this was the album Dunc

Brian Shensky | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 03/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If anything, I believe this album puts Duncan squarely back on track with his first and second albums. Those two cleverly mixed pop sensibilites with quiet, cunning thoughtful pieces that I think are the real source of his joy of musicianship. Problem for me was that Phantom Moon was too much a departure into the quietude, and Daylight appeared to be the chart-topper attempt his label wanted him to make that ultimately betrayed his true nature.



The songwriting and production quality on White Limousine are, simply put, second to none. This album simply *sounds* great and is a real joy to listen to. The arrangements and instruments clearly show Duncan was really interested in stretching himself, and it shows _and_ works. What's left is the songwriting - and on tracks like White Limousine, Shopping, and Land, Duncan delivers with ever-increasing precision.



My wife voiced her disappointment of the dearth of 100-beat-per-minute fast-clip tunes so prevalent on Daylight, but I think she has missed the point. I've been searching for the Real Duncan, and I'm convinced that, by releasing on a small label, he afforded himself (and us) the artistic freedom necessary to reveal just that. I hear it, and if you listen deeply enough, you will too."

Lyrical and musical depth throughout

Damien | Michigan, USA | 02/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As usual, Duncan Sheik delivers an album far deeper than most bands and musicians would dare. He bares his soul in almost all of the songs here, accompanying them with beautifully multilayered musical arrangements. He appears to be moving further away from the commercial spotlight, and for Duncan that is a good thing. He is at his strongest when he sings and composes from the heart, and not a song goes by on this album that either doesn't make you think, feel, or both. I have been a fan since I first heard "Barely Breathing" on his debut album, and I would have to say that the overall strength of this cd makes it Duncan's best effort yet. You will not be disappointed in this release."