Greg Laswell

I Was Going To Be An Astronaut

2014-01-13

The title of Greg Laswell's new album is his favorite line from his track "December" and is said to reflect how the more he plans for certain things, completely different things occur organically. So while I Was Going To Be An Astronaut is a collection of remakes of older Laswell tunes, the act of covering his own songs in a way illustrates an artist coming across self-discovery through retrospect. Like most of Laswell's previous music and the original versions of the songs, the sonic atmosphere is one wrought with frequent reverb and melancholy lyrics echoing ominously (but beautifully) alongside particularly affecting minor piano chords. It might not be a departure or much of a risk at all on Laswell's part, but it's easy to get lost in the gorgeous sadness of songs like "How The Day Sounds" and "Take Everything." There isn't original material on IWGTBAA, but if you've liked Greg Laswell's career since 2003's Good Movie, there's no doubt you'll find something to relish in the re-imagining of these songs.

Recommended Tracks: #5 "How The Day Sounds", #8 "Take Everything"

Sigmund Steiger

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 09/2006

    LEE BABY SIMMS
    Mystery Loves Company

  • reviewed 05/2007

    LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
    Sound of Silver

  • reviewed 01/2013

    VARIOUS
    Django Unchained: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

  • reviewed 01/2004

    Southern Culture on the Skids
    MOJO BOX

  • reviewed 11/2012

    EL PERRO DEL MAR
    Pale Fire

  • reviewed 11/2014

    Eliot Lipp
    Watch the Shadows

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.