Customer Reviews

Becoming All Things

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I've been a fan of Chris Simpson for years and I've never heard him perform an album as light hearted as this one.

Simpson still uses his characteristically dramatic/nasalesque/disjointed vocal style, which I love. Those new to Simpson, (or those who don't care for him) might write the style off as off-tune caterwauling, but as an acquired taste, I find it unique and very expressive.

If you are familiar with previous bands Simpson has been in, like Mineral and The Gloria Record, and are hoping The Zookeeper might carry on the legacy of such bands, you may be disappointed.

While Simpson's soulful and cathartic crooning often reminds me of the work he did in Mineral and The Gloria Record, the overall style of_The Zookeeper_is different.

The tone is disjointed, soulful yet very joyful, almost ebullient. The most striking vocal passage that captures this spirit is from the song "Ballad of my friends," where in a bright but disheveled voice Simpson cries, "We're never going to be that sad again!"

The musical style/instrumentation usually leans toward a sort of bittersweet folksy jangle pop. In other words: This is NOT a guitar centered album, but vocal centered album. There are guitar passages, but there is prominent use of different percussive instruments, harmonicas, banjos, trumpets, organ keyboards, piano, vocal harmonies, bass, synthesizers, and more.

All of which are often blended into a beautiful cacophonous mix. However, in this album The Zookeeper has strong inclination to compose slower, more measured, meditative pieces, especially in songs like _Boy & the street choir_, _On High_, _Becoming all things_. So, don't expect most of the songs in this album to be a trainwreck of frenetic color and sound.

This is a great album for people who appreciate the previous works of Simpson and his various band mates. If you are looking an different, slightly off kilter take on a folksy indie/jangle-pop album, I would recommend considering this album.

I would give a more specific review but the review by "A Pilgrim" is pretty right on. Folky/jingle-jangle pop is a great description of this album. It's difficult to pick favorites on this one but "Ballad of My Friends," "Everyone's a DJ," and "Born With Things to Do" are the stand-outs for me.