Description:
Like many of her contemporaries, folk-rocker Dar Williams seems weary of her road-tested, pared-down, fan-pleasing musical formula. Her last outing, 1997's End of the Summer, gave hints of her interest in a more instrumentally rich, highly produced, pop-leaning sound, but still maintained an earthy folk sensibility. On 2000's The Green World, Williams's guileless humor and stripped acoustic sound are replaced by shimmering electric guitars, heavy reverb, compact lyrics, and complex, layered percussion. Her steadfast fans may cry "sellout" initially, but by the third listen, they'll begin to sympathize. Yes, this new,
Like many of her contemporaries, folk-rocker Dar Williams seems weary of her road-tested, pared-down, fan-pleasing musical formula. Her last outing, 1997's End of the Summer, gave hints of her interest in a more instrumentally rich, highly produced, pop-leaning sound, but still maintained an earthy folk sensibility. On 2000's The Green World, Williams's guileless humor and stripped acoustic sound are replaced by shimmering electric guitars, heavy reverb, compact lyrics, and complex, layered percussion. Her steadfast fans may cry "sellout" initially, but by the third listen, they'll begin to sympathize. Yes, this new, polished sound seems to hang heavy on tracks such as "Calling the Moon," where an invasive Hammond organ and overbearing guitar nearly drown out the reedy plea of Williams's heartbreaking voice. And "After All," a wrenchingly introspective rumination, begs to be left in subtle simplicity. But songs like the mild-yet-infectious jaunt "Another Mystery," the passionately insistent lament "And a God Descended," and the gentle rock reverie "Playing to the Firmament" bear their lavish arrangements with grace and pride. --Sally Weinbach
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Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
Release date: 22 August 2000
Number of discs: 1
EAN: 0793018285629 UPC: 793018285629
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