What is the deal with this Sufjan Stevens guy? Am I the only music fan doesn’t think he’s the second coming? Okay, he’s a talented arranger but a mediocre singer/songwriter. Halfway through his songs I’m convinced they’ve been on repeat for 20 times. Is he exercising some kind of hippie Christian mind voodoo on the whole world or is it just his dreamy good looks?
I’ll tell you what – if he looked like these guys...
…he’d still be at home programming his laptop midi crap.
Yeah, that’s right. I’ve had it with these slavish imitators of Nick Drake and Eliott Smith: Quit trying to ape their beautiful music and follow their OTHER example!
So yeah, there’s these two bands - one that's really just one guy and another that is one guy and a parade of about 50 friends sitting in on various sessions. Different process, similar results (and how). They are Iron & Wine (or here) and Willard Grant Conspiracy. Yes, this is what mopey avante folk music should sound like. They both seem to like their shroud of mystery and I won’t interfere. Just check ‘em out further. Iron & Wine has a gorgeous EP out in collaboration with Calexico right now as well as a couple fantastic solo albums. Willard Grant has am impressive discography as well.
Here are my download picks but there are plenty on each artist’s web site and of course go buy the records.
Another Lonely Night - Willard Grant Conspiracy
Naked As We Came - Iron & Wine
posted by Rob at 10:34 PM
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2 Comments:
soof is pretty dern good. i was hesitant to give in to the hype intially, but glad I did.
ps - nice blog. added you to my blogroll.
Good call. Suf(yawn) is an overrated, undertalented Jesus freak and an embarrassment to all struggling musicians who have enough integrity to not try getting noticed for their petty gimmicks, such as trying to write an album based around each state. This guy is one big, awful gimmick, from state albums to his annoying cheerleader routine he does during his shows. So much for substance, huh. And talent.
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