Search - Joseph Arthur :: Temporary People

Great from the studio, even better live

Jennifer | West Virginia | 10/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got to see this tour live at a small venue in Covington, KY a week ago today. Wasn't sure if we were going to get to go until the very last minute but we did and at 9pm the tall guy himself walked onto the stage with the Lonely Astronauts and treated us to an incendiary opening to the title song. WOW! I saw them live for the first time in Spring 2007 and was worried that this show/music may not live up to my first one- no worries! Joseph Arthur had a new guitar, the band had this new album and they do not disappoint their fans.



About these songs- the arrangements are complex and the lyrics are compelling. This is not the pared down, beautiful sound of JA's solo efforts. This is the product of a (prolific) band that has really gelled together in the past few years. You really have to listen to this music over and over. On the first listen I heard the music (which my best friend Leigh who also loves this band best decribed as "tough") then I started listening to the lyrics. There is a definate juxstaposition of darkness and light, of the ideal and gritty real life heartbreak. There seems to be stark contrast in the hopeless disillusionment of song #4 and the very next song (Look into the Sky), which says



"Look into the sky

look into the sky

look into the sky

and ask for Him"



The overall feel of this album is rock, all the way. As you listen you will hear pieces of light and hope come out of these songs. Questions about God's existence maybe and then alternatively affirmation that He is there. To me that is fascinating. That is like life- facing discouragement and suffocating darkness to suddenly be awed when Light shows up.



My personal favorite song on this album is Winter Blades "....love keeps tumbling down onto us"



WARNING: It is hard not to groove out to these awesome guitar riffs when you are in traffic and you may end up looking like a freak or a dork.

"

Fist half is eh, second is Arthur

D. Fitzgerald | 10/05/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I don't knpw what is going on with the first part of this album. Not the strong writing and delivery I expect from Joseph Arthur. Almost like quick dash offs for music class. Or the Michael Stipe rendition of Joseph Arthur song - in the wrong skin. Still leaps and bounds above many others, the rock and roll of the album just before this is sooo much better."