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Editorial Reviews
At Richard Swift's National Freedom studios, the live-to-tape ethos allowed the songs on Damien Jurado's Maraqopa to expand and retract like a great beast's breath. Every in-the-moment bell and whistle here is hung with a natural, casual care. And from this, each song offers up its own unique gift.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Dear Music Appreciators,
The godfather of post-grunge Seattle singer-songwriters has been releasing consistently interesting and underappreciated albums for fifteen years now and his latest, MARAQOPA, is no exception to that pattern. But in the spirit of full disclosure...because I had the pleasure of hearing this album performed live (with full band and guests from The Shins, The Head and the Heart, and Bryan John Appleby) at The Neptune Theater in Seattle before I heard it on record, I may be somewhat prejudiced against the recorded version. It seemed a little quiet and polite after the awesomeness of the live show. Perhaps it's something like the classic conflict of book vs. movie adaptation - though that conflict (and this metaphor) could work both ways. Just know that if you like what you hear on the album you will likely love what you hear live and in person. Go see a show.
MARAQOPA is an old-fashioned record with a capital "R." It's the kind of album (bonus points for vinyl) best heard in sequence, in one sitting, with some big old retro headphones on your ears. Don't worry, it will only take you thirty-six minutes And don't worry if you don't "get it" all at first - the best records work that way - they work under the same laws as the natural world. The law of the harvest. You reap what you sow. The more you listen the more you are rewarded as the musical spell reveals itself to you over the course of time.
FOR FANS OF: Neil Young, David Bazan
TOP TRACKS: "Working Titles," "So On, Nevada," "Museum of Flight" (I'm always a sucker for the prettiest songs on an album)
MEMORABLE MOMENTS: The stinging late night electric guitar soloing on "Nothing is the News," the Children of the Corn-ish backup singers on "Life Away from the Garden," the phrase "All are welcome in" repeated four times at the end of "Maraqopa," the deserted highway guitar sounds of "This Time Next Year," the outer space sound and feel of "Reel to Reel..."
...I just realized how long this list could be, and as I'm listening to the album on headphones as I write this I'm feeling as if suddenly my ears have been unplugged and I'm now hearing these songs for what they really are - and I love what I'm hearing. I've had a break through right here in front of you. Perhaps I'm not prejudiced against the recorded version after all - same songs as the live show, different delivery. Medicine to sip slowly vs. medicine by injection. Now all this talk about medicine has me thinking about my all-time favorite Damien Jurado song "Medication." If you haven't heard it, pull it up on the computer right now and spend that ninety-nine cents and let me know what you think.
Oh, and don't forget to buy MARAQOPA while you're at it.
And by the way, whether you're a new or returning traveler in Juradoland - welcome back.
The godfather of post-grunge Seattle singer-songwriters has been releasing consistently interesting and underappreciated albums for fifteen years now and his latest, MARAQOPA, is no exception to that pattern. But in the spirit of full disclosure...because I had the pleasure of hearing this album performed live (with full band and guests from The Shins, The Head and the Heart, and Bryan John Appleby) at The Neptune Theater in Seattle before I heard it on record, I may be somewhat prejudiced against the recorded version. It seemed a little quiet and polite after the awesomeness of the live show. Perhaps it's something like the classic conflict of book vs. movie adaptation - though that conflict (and this metaphor) could work both ways. Just know that if you like what you hear on the album you will likely love what you hear live and in person. Go see a show.
MARAQOPA is an old-fashioned record with a capital "R." It's the kind of album (bonus points for vinyl) best heard in sequence, in one sitting, with some big old retro headphones on your ears. Don't worry, it will only take you thirty-six minutes And don't worry if you don't "get it" all at first - the best records work that way - they work under the same laws as the natural world. The law of the harvest. You reap what you sow. The more you listen the more you are rewarded as the musical spell reveals itself to you over the course of time.
FOR FANS OF: Neil Young, David Bazan
TOP TRACKS: "Working Titles," "So On, Nevada," "Museum of Flight" (I'm always a sucker for the prettiest songs on an album)
MEMORABLE MOMENTS: The stinging late night electric guitar soloing on "Nothing is the News," the Children of the Corn-ish backup singers on "Life Away from the Garden," the phrase "All are welcome in" repeated four times at the end of "Maraqopa," the deserted highway guitar sounds of "This Time Next Year," the outer space sound and feel of "Reel to Reel..."
...I just realized how long this list could be, and as I'm listening to the album on headphones as I write this I'm feeling as if suddenly my ears have been unplugged and I'm now hearing these songs for what they really are - and I love what I'm hearing. I've had a break through right here in front of you. Perhaps I'm not prejudiced against the recorded version after all - same songs as the live show, different delivery. Medicine to sip slowly vs. medicine by injection. Now all this talk about medicine has me thinking about my all-time favorite Damien Jurado song "Medication." If you haven't heard it, pull it up on the computer right now and spend that ninety-nine cents and let me know what you think.
Oh, and don't forget to buy MARAQOPA while you're at it.
And by the way, whether you're a new or returning traveler in Juradoland - welcome back.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Pat Loughery
Format:MP3 Music
Seattleites may know Damien Jurado as one of the great alt-folk songwriters in our region. He certainly is that; his lyrics and feel for the music are outstanding.
In Maraqopa, Jurado has evolved and transformed - from caterpillar to butterfly, to echo an alternate spelling to the title? Maraqopa is outstanding from beginning to end. Since the album's release, I've listened more to this one album than all other albums in my home and MP3s on my player, combined. It's that good. The lyrics are brilliant as usual, but it is the quality of the surrounding band and album production that allows the album to break through Jurado's previous space.
Buy the album. And go see the band on tour. I was mesmerized, and you will be also.
In Maraqopa, Jurado has evolved and transformed - from caterpillar to butterfly, to echo an alternate spelling to the title? Maraqopa is outstanding from beginning to end. Since the album's release, I've listened more to this one album than all other albums in my home and MP3s on my player, combined. It's that good. The lyrics are brilliant as usual, but it is the quality of the surrounding band and album production that allows the album to break through Jurado's previous space.
Buy the album. And go see the band on tour. I was mesmerized, and you will be also.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
There are very few artists who after a few albums don't have a slight misstep... Damien Jurado is one of them (if you like singer/songwriter folk music). I can't even try to rank his albums because they are all incredibly equally good though considerably different from each other. Only other artist that is as prolific and consistent IMO is Ryan Adams. If you have liked anything Damien Jurado has released in his 15(?) year career this purchase is a no-brainer. what a stunning album, already one of the best of the year.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Recommendation
I have only listened to this once but I was very happy for the recommendation from Amazon.
My apologies for not having a great critique, but like often happens with all art... Read more
My apologies for not having a great critique, but like often happens with all art... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jen Crook
5.0 out of 5 stars
Always Great, Jurado Finally Offers Up His Opus
I bought my first Damien Jurado record in 1999, after hearing the songs "Ohio" and "Letters & Drawings. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Gregory William Locke
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic album
Fantastic album. You should buy it and while you are at it by his other albums. This one is really great either way
Published 11 months ago by nathan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another stunning Damien Jurado album
If you're already a Damien Jurado fan, buy this album now. The evolution of Damien's music has been a joy to watch and this album expands on his sound in a very good way. Read more
Published 13 months ago by D. Newman
2.0 out of 5 stars
I'm Just Not Into It
Maraquopa is yet another Damien Jurado record that I'm just not into, at all. Of course, If you happen to love it go ahead and buy it.
Published 13 months ago by Mark Abrahamsen
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Sequel to Saint Bartlett
Although he is now 10 albums and 15 years into his career, Damien Jurado is still a relatively unknown artist. Read more
Published 14 months ago by J. Loudon
4.0 out of 5 stars
A SMALL STEP FOR MANKIND
I would actually give this album 4 1/2 stars.
I have always been ahead of the crowd musically, being born into a musical family. Read more
I have always been ahead of the crowd musically, being born into a musical family. Read more
Published 14 months ago by M. Northuis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant album
This album is brilliant. It will definitely be on a lot of "Best of 2012" lists, including mine. Every song is a treasure. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Deanokat
