Search - Richard Buckner :: Meadow

Nothing to write home about

Transistor International | Illinois | 11/21/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Don't let the presence of Doug Gillard fool you. There are no irresistible riffs or monster power-chord moments here. This is another album in Buckner's trademark style, an inscrutable blend of folk and country-rock with language-poet lyrics (`elliptical' is the standard-issue description.) It's as good as his last, but this isn't to say it's a really satisfying album.



The problem lies in its familiarity. With Devotion and Doubt, Buckner discovered his voice, and though he's varied his arrangements and accompaniment since then, melodically and lyrically he's continued the same course. When style becomes as habitual as this, it's time to move on or risk getting stuck in a rut.



What this artist could use is a producer who really challenges him and forces him to re-think his approach: make him change the tempo, transpose songs into different keys, compose on new instruments, re-write his lyrics, in general shake things up--- you get the idea. The last time Buckner sounded truly different from his usual sound, he was writing songs for another poet's words. I think he thrives on that outside influence, and at this stage in his career, he probably needs it. Otherwise he might as well join Jay Farrar in the ranks of artists in a state of premature rigor mortis."

Richard's reached an impasse

bruce watson | Belgrave, Victoria Australia | 02/27/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Great singing. Excellent ensemble playing. Richard Buckner has produced another fine album, but the only problem is that it sounds very much like the last one to my ears - and a little like 'Since' and 'Impasse' in parts. A great buy if you don't own any RB albums (or only Bloomed/Devotion and Doubt, or The Hill), but I was hoping for something a little fresher this time around. (I own six RB albums already). Perhaps his next one will return to the more 'stripped back' work of the early years, or will go off in a new direction. One can only hope, as Richard - as good as he is - is starting to recycle into minor variations on a familiar theme. It happens."

If you like your art a little off-centered....

James E. Smith | Caribou, ME USA | 01/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The thing i like most about listening to richard buckner is that the way the songs are composed and sung. Like interesting art...the more often you return to it the more you see/understand/hear. I like the way the words aren't first and foremost. Yet ultiimately THEY are richard buckner....It's the perfect blend of music and lyrics...poetry in motion if you must. I am still settling in with this one....and enjoying it greatly. I like getting something out the music i listen to... and know that i can listen to richard buckners music and constantly find/hear little wonderful morsels."