Customer Reviews

La Grande

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This time last year musical proceedings were kicked off with the release of the The Decemberists "King is dead" an album of warm Americana from Portland Oregon's finest. Thus it is entirely appropriate that Laura Gibson a former Decemberist with one of the loveliest voices this side of that other great Portlander Laura Viers should commence 2012 with a feast of occasionally left field low key roots folk music which is guaranteed to captivate listeners. "La Grande" is actually a small town in Eastern Oregon a name given to it by early French settlers. It is a place where Gibson informs us that "people usually pass through on their way to somewhere else, but which contains a certain gravity, a curious energy.". It is this rustic tradition which she seeks to evoke on the albums cover as she stands snuggly wrapped in an old Indian blanket in a woodland settling with a blazing fire throwing shapes into the night. The albums title track is full of old western imagery and layered with pounding tribal drums, whispered ghostly voices and Link Wray style guitars giving it a spookiness which makes it a great start. In a slightly weird way you sense that the song "Lion/Lamb" could also have figured on a a South Pacific out-takes album with its slightly Polynesian feel but its a sparkling little song, although it is the more straightforward acoustic beauty of "Milk-Heavy. Pollen-Eyed" where Gibson's honey vocal is heartbreaking in its plaintive quality, weaving in and out of what is a sumptuous tune. More North West coast melancholy is contained in "Skin warming skin" which builds to a hypnotic choral chorus which this reviewer would have been perfectly content for Ms Gibson to extend by a least a couple of minutes.

The rustling of tambourines kicks off the bluesy "The Fire" another of "La Grande's" highlights which skips along at a lively pace and which by the end of its brief three and half minutes will have you tapping your foot and largely feeling that things are generally ok in the world. Ultimately however it is the last two songs on the album which really puts that icing on the cake. The penultimate song "Time is not" has a dark edge and builds into a haunting construct which will richly reward repeated listens. Finally the concluding song "Feather lungs" starts a slow hymnal and grows in a fragile piano lullaby with Gibson pitching her vocal so perfectly she should be given an award. The introduction of rich instrumentation adds to the wonder and throughout the album Gibson draws on a gaggle of heavyweight musicians to support her efforts the likes of Calexico's Joey Burns, The Dodos' Meric Long and Logan Kroeber and The Decemberists' Nate Query and Jenny Conlee.

"La Grande" is a very elegant album which you will grow intensely fond of. It is draws upon the traditions of American folk but can also feel quite strange in parts, a quality which adds to its otherworldly atmospherics. It is a gentle ethereal album yet infused with enough distinctive gothic character to set it apart from mere whimsy. Laura Gibson produces music which is not intended to sell by the truckload or make her safe into retirement, for which we should extend our deepest thanks.

Another great album by Laura Gibson. If you liked "If You Come to Greet Me" and "Beasts Of Seasons, get this one and enjoy! Beautiful voice and music, and great songs.
I heard her music first on "NPR: Tiny Desk Concerts Podcast" (video podcast) and since I can't stop listening. Check that free video, if you're a already a fan or want to discover her music.

This is a great one, even better than the others. It feels more forceful, despite all the quiet and calm restraint, more confident or at least it contains more tension and contradiction. It feels a little more confrontational? In any case, what's always been wonderful about Laura's work--the slippery surprises of her lyrics, the melodies, the really unique and smart phrasing--is even better, here. It makes a person feel and think.