Customer Reviews

Here Is What Is

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!!

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.

If you're not already a fan of Lanois, then you will be, especially after watching the DVD that corresponds to this album. Really amazing, beautiful and inspiring. The missing link connecting so much of the great music of the past 25 years, Eno, U2, Nevilles, Willie, etc. I would highly recommend this cd and the film of the same name.

At first listen I was completely underwhelmed by this record. I had heard of D. Lanois from his production credit on one of my favorite albums, "The Pearl," and also on Drone Zone Radio with a few ambient selections from "Acadie", so I was sorely disappointed at the first minute or so of "Here Is What Is": Some aging punkster attempting poppy country music? It seemed overexerted and lame--for about thirty seconds.

After about a minute of listening, all my negative emotions were catharsized and then summarily blown away by the elemental joy and love of music that permeates this album from beginning to end. It will do the same to you, 98% guaranteed. Every track is full to the brim with kind humanity and vibrant, resonating sound.

Every instrument Daniel Lanois uses is well loved, given its full volume, place and texture--Above all the steel guitar, which is powerfully spiritual, just as the man explains in track 16. In every song you can focus your ears on whatever instrument you want and think, "Wow, ___ is a wonderful instrument, what a rich sound." This is something very rare in music. The quality of sound here is unreal. I can easily see now the linkage with Harold Budd's "The Pearl".

The next wonderful thing about this record is the songwriting. The melodies rock majestically back and forth, in and out, then crash over you like ocean waves. "Harry" sets itself up like a richly textured country ballad, but before you know it you realize you're listening to a far wiser, more universal song, with every verse reaching an emotional conclusion. The setting of "Duoglide" is perfect: Several verses, which switch seamlessly into a bluesy jam for about three minutes, then switch back like clockwork into the catchy refrain. "Moondog" above all is one of those rare songs which somehow combines hope, despair and full love and joy and the sense of limitless imagination all at once (perhaps by clever use of vague lyrics). And, exactly as advertised, "Joy" is simply Joy.

Each of these pop-style songs is interspersed with beautiful instrumental jams by Daniel, most with his exquisite steel guitar and perfectly mixed drums. Throughout the entire album there is a rich reverb. As a nice touch of humility amid all the sound-mixing wizardry, Daniel's voice itself is surprisingly raw and unadorned, always reminding you that there is an ordinary guy behind every soul-lifting melody.

But this now...It's an album to keep for years.

P.S. Yes, Brian Eno waxing philosophical is kind of annoying, but you can always just delete him out of the MP3s.

Lanois is a master, and I'd probably buy a bag of compost if that's what he was selling. He's an artist touchstone, and an innovator. "Here is What Is" is a mixed-bag however. There are songs on this record that are massive and gorgeous, but there are many, many interludes, most of which I tend to skip. I LOVE this record, and I recommend it, but if you're new to Daniel Lanois, I would suggest exploring "Shine" first.

Despite being a huge Lanois fan, I must admit there is something with this record that doesn't work completely for me (I'm particularly disappointed with the title track, since there are far better versions out there). Maybe it's the same problem I have with Slingblade and Belladona, records that don't move me in the way that Acadie, FTBOW or Shine do.

As usual, you should listen to it in a quiet room or better using your headphones in order to fully appreciate the soundscapes created by this gifted producer.

I'll admit I didn't know much of Daniel Lanois other than his production on some amazing albums (U2, Dylan, Neil Young). This was my introduction to his own music, and wow. It's not front-to-back incredible, but well worth it even for just a few of the songs. "Where Will I Be", "Duo Glide", "Lovechild" and the title track are my faves. Warm and moving stuff. There's a few spoken tracks, but they're skip-able after first listen.

Track Listing:
1. Chest Of Drawers
2. Where Will I Be
3. Here Is What Is
4. Not Fighting Anymore
5. Beauty
6. Blue Bus
7. Lovechild
8. Harry
9. Bells
10. This May Be The Last Time
11. Smoke #6
12. I Like That
13. Duo Glide
14. Bladesteel
15. Moondog
16. Sacred And Secular
17. Joy
18. Luna Samba

Recently heard a song on the radio from this CD and was immediately impressed by it so I purchased the CD from Amazon. I was somewhat familiar with Daniel Lanois` work but I had no idea it was like this. Meaningful, insightful and thought provoking lyrics.

I cant' get enough of this performer. He has been a favorite of mine since I first listened to him. Highly recommended.