Search - Gob Iron :: Death Songs for the Living (Dig)

A Beautiful Embrace of Americana's Dark Side

Thomas D. Ryan | New York | 11/29/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For a while there, I got the impression that Jay Farrar was coasting a bit. Each album after Son Volt's debut offered a bit less in new ideas than the previous effort, and the Greatest Hits collection seemed to put a capper on things. Then Farrar revitalized Son Volt with a new line-up, and his creativity once again became readily apparent on "Okemah and the Melody of Riot". The side project Gob Iron proves that album was no fluke. Farrar is on fire once again, and "Death Songs for the Living" makes that point quite nicely. Teaming up with Anders Parker of Vernaline, the duo digs deep into the ballads and folk songs of rural America, turning them inside out while maintaining respect for the folk tradition. In that sense, this record is not too unlike Dylan's latest opus, "Modern Times."

The American folk idiom can be full of dark tales, especially when it comes to ballads. Greil Marcus called it "old, weird America," and that is mostly what this consists of; songs of sickness, bad luck, death and disease, all told through the voice of a protagonist that could be almost 200 years old. Remarkably, the collection never sounds morbid. Instead, it compels the listener to a state of sympathy. The pace is laconic, but only to the point that it suits the subject matter. "Nicotine Blues" is a brilliant example, utilizing the melody of "Coo Coo Bird" (see Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music for the `original' recording) to convey what every smoker instinctively fears but intuitively denies. Parker and Farrar use excellent judgment in their song choices, even reaching back as far as Stephen Foster for a mid-eighteenth century song about "Hard Times." The Stanley Brothers and the Carter Family also provide excellent source material ("Wayside Tavern" and East Virginia Blues," respectively).

In my opinion, too many folk artists distance themselves from the riches of our past by trying too hard to be contemporary and unique. Farrar and Parker do the exact opposite, and in the process they created an album that is both contemporary and unique.

A- Tom Ryan"

Nothing short of phenomenal

Timothy D. Cooper | St. Paul, Mn | 11/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Please, please buy this phenomenal cd. Jay Farrar is pure genius, and, coupled with Anders Parker's magnificent work, this cd will be at the apex of a body of work that is of the very highest quality. It only remains to ask where such great music comes from in an age of despicable commercial trash and musical monotony. Farrar and Parker are not only musicians and folklorists of cutting edge achievement, they are also brave and true commentators of the current political and social scene.

To point out specific songs as highlights is, for me, impossible. You truly have to take this cd as a unified, complete work of art. That said, let me say how much I enjoy the intrumental interludes between songs. It gives me a sense of connection, of theme, and of mood. Still, I am in agreement that "Hard Times," "Buzz and Grind," and "Wayside Tavern" crystalize this artistic achievement.

Enjoy, reflect, and respond to this terrific cd. Music like "Death Songs for the Living" comes around all too infrequently."

Farrar does it again!

E. Porter | Lakewood, Co | 11/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I might not be the most accurate critic of anything "Farrar" because i pretty much love everything the guy does.



That said...i think Death Songs for the Living is a fantastic folk record. Both artists do an amazing job of adding their own footprints to classic folk-penned songs.



Jay's voice has never sounded better, as razor sharp as its ever been. The acoustic playing is top notch. The piano throughout the disc is subtle yet highly effective. Both artists harmonize very well with one another. Its amazing this CD was recorded in as short a timeframe as it was. Definitely one of the better sounding recordings i've heard this year.



I'm just now getting into the Parker songs...been stuck on the Farrar tunes since purchase, they are quickly growing on me as well. Something tells me i'll be checking out some Varnaline discs very soon.



Hard Times, Silicosis Blues and Little Girl, Dreadful Snake are my favorites so far.





Farrar's newly penned tune Buzz and Grind is phenomenal...has a killer guitar lick with Parker adding a smokin' slide on top of it. Believe it or not...its a little Allmanesque. Par for the course, Farrar's songwriting on this one is fantastic. I'm confident Jay will add it to Son Volt's repetoire.





This is a perfect Sunday morning, nasty weather, fire goin', with paper and coffee in hand release. (and then Buzz and Grind will have you reaching for your first beer).





I highly recommend it."