2013-10-10
Quiet, beautiful, thoughtful reflection that takes stock of life's ups-and-downs and concludes "Pushing my way out of the ground/I'm ready for it/I've grown too old to die young now/I'm better for it." In other words, take what you've learned, understand you can't control everything and keep moving forward. Joined by Sufjan Stevens (you can hear his musical touches throughout) and other friends, the record eases one into a wine-sipping, feet-up, life's-highlight-reel mood--but not in a melancholy or cloying manner. Witmer hits his targets without being melodramatic or wordy. My favorite selection is "Right Behind You," in which he sings, "I don't see the point in waiting/Half my life to say/All of the things I'm thinking/Starting with today." This is a set of music that makes you better for having listened to it, start to finish. 10/13 Michael J.
BOBTOWN
Trouble I Wrought
Merlin Snider
One Light Many Windows
KENDEL CARSON
Rearview Mirror Tears
JOHN FRANCIS
The Better Angels
HARLEM PARLOR MUSIC CLUB
SALT OF THE EARTH
Mike Doughty
Skittish / Rockity Roll
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