Just when I think the album is losing its momentum, there’s a lyrical turn of phrase or weepy steel figure or crunchy guitar riff putting the root down. So, while “Down To The Wire” and “Sultana” aren’t my favorite songs, within the context of this album they’re worthy diversions that make perfect sense. His immersion in the experimental folk-rock drone is complemented by what he does best, that wonderful intersection of country and rock. But hey, no pressure.Īmerican Central Dust is such a welcome return to form. Public huzzahs will certainly follow for the creator of said “mixtape.” Unless it sucks. Maybe I need to listen to the output with fresh ears and in a new context.
If anyone is willing to make me an hour-long comp of Farrar’s past decade - The Best Of The Aughties, if you will - I’m down. Nevertheless, I submit a modest proposal for my fair readers. I didn’t care for much of it, but I get it, and respect the process. Thus, his move away from that rich legacy was an understandable effort at artistic redefinition on new terms. Precious few musicians can match the Koufaxian five-album run of Uncle Tupelo’s four albums and Son Volt’s debut, Trace, Jay Farrar included. That said, perhaps the letdown was inevitable. I heard way too much drone and not enough melody and dynamics. When you construct the Great Wall of Tupelo, further innovation is unnecessary.įor my money, Farrar spent most of the last decade squandering the goodwill he’d earned in the previous decade. Just when I thought Jay Farrar had disappeared down a mumbly, monotonous rabbit hole, he totally won me back with country and rock and would you believe, country-rock? Yeah, I know it’s nothing particularly groundbreaking, but I don’t need much groundbreaking from this guy. One of last year’s most unexpected pleasures was getting knocked out by Son Volt‘s most recent album, American Central Dust. Son Volt L-R: Dave Bryson (drums), Chris Masterson (lead guitar), Jay Farrar (acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica, vocals) Andrew Duplantis (bass, harmony vocals), Mark Spencer (piano, wurlitzer, pedal steel, lap steel)
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