Here Is What Is

Daniel Lanois, Daniel Lanois | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 18, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Red Floor Records
• ASIN: B00133MKRE
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,490 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Here is What Is, the remarkable sixth solo album from Daniel Lanois, strikes a chord for independence as the first major release on his own Red Floor Records. An acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer known for producing some of the greatest albums of the last two decades (U2, Bob Dylan, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris, The Neville Brothers, to name a few), Daniel Lanois has created an album full of viscerally powerful and beautiful new tracks that rank amongst his best. ''Here Is What Is'' was recorded in Toronto, Los Angeles and Shreveport, LA with drummer Brian Blade (Joshua Redman, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones) and pianist Garth Hudson (The Band) and captures Lanois' signature musical sensibilities and virtuosity. The album also includes philosophical interludes and inspiring conversations with Brian Eno taken from the film by the same name.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best thing he's done in a decade, April 7, 2008

By 

Steven Reynolds (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Here Is What Is (Audio CD)

Given the almost spooky excellence of everything he touches, to say this is the best thing Daniel Lanois has put out in a decade really is saying something. Eschewing the need to stick with one particular sound - either the ragged-edged rock of "Wynona" or the cool minimalism of "Acadie" and "Belladonna" - this new album delivers on the promise of "Shine", giving us a set of genre-defying songs that are warmer, richer, more lyrically engaging and ultimately more moving than anything he's done before. Highlights are the title track, the exquisite "Harry", "Duo Glide", "Moondog" and a new cut of "Where Will I Be" (though not even Lanois himself can top the Emmylou Harris version he produced). What strikes me most about this recording is that Lanois seems more comfortable in his own skin as a songwriter and performer; overall it's less self-consciously arty, more confident, more relaxed, more joyous. That's not to say it lacks artistry. As always, Lanois and his collaborators use the simplest rock instruments to generate a sound that's bigger, deeper, more subtle, more complex, and far more expressive than you might think possible from such arrangements. Close listening reveals the infinite care and genius with which these songs have been crafted - especially in the mix - but, as with all great music, in the moment of reception it all just sounds effortless. What's particularly satisfying about this release is that it's not simply a merchandising spin-off from the film of the same name. Against expectations, this strange playlist of cross-genre songs and inspiring snatches of interviews with Brian Eno and others works as an album in its own right. Strongly recommended.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This should make you smile!!, March 21, 2008

By 

Steve Neu (Green Bay, WI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Here Is What Is (Audio CD)

I own all of Daniel Lanois' solo albums and most of the ones he has worked on. The latest effort is breathtaking. If this doesn't make you take a deep breath and smile (and maybe a little tear of joy) there is something wrong with you. Many styles of Daniel's music are here. Some nicely rocking stuff, beatiful ballads, amazing pedal-steel guitar, and an unexpected jazz number at the end provide a near perfect experience. The spoken word parts may get a bit tedious after a few dozen listens but they are strikingly sincere and fit the music well. Now I am going to watch the movie of the same title. My hopes are high!!

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best for quite a while, March 20, 2008

By 

Mark J. Pearce "MJP" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Here Is What Is (Audio CD)

I enjoy my music and my taste is pretty wide from classical to heavy rock, jazz and pop. I'm pleased I haven't heard Lanois before, because it means I've got some more jewels to investigate - because this is the best new album I have listened to for a long time; that's for many years.

Mellow, musically interesting and diverse, good vocals, great steel guitar, used as an interesting instrument, not country style, if you know what I mean. As the little interlude says, "my church in a suitcase". And intriging lyrics. Without needing to say it, briliantly produced. I'm looking forward to listening to this a lot over many many years.