Customer Reviews

Now More Than Ever

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

 

 

This little gem was without doubt one of the best albums of 2004. While everyone who's heard Jim Guthrie's music likens it to Sufjan Stevens, I think that Nick Drakes Bryter Layter is much more accurate comparison. Now More Than Ever is a nearly flawless pop album, sprinkled with tasteful orchestral flourishes, clever and personal lyrics, and one of the better voices in music today.

I received this album thru a friend. I instantly fell in love with the melodic sometimes a bit experimental sounds of this music. I was able to pick out pianos, violins, wind chimes of some sort, maybe a banjo or two and many more instrumental collaborations, really gutsy combinations. The voice of Jim is amazing almost reminding me of Elliot Smith.

Pick it up.

This is a cracking album by a relativley unknown Canadian singer songwriter, Jim Guthrie.

I first heard one of his songs whilst living in Montreal as an exchange student. I happened to be recording some indie show on CKUT student radio (highly recommended streamed and archived radio station) which played something by him. I have been listening to my mix tape from it for five years and have now only finally got around to buying his music!

There is not one duff song on Now More Than Ever, all are foot tappingly tuneful with some really good guitar strumming, introspective and off-kilter lyrics alongside excellent arrangements with violins. The instrumental numbers which sounded like some hip TV show really stand out for me.

This is a quiet, even sedate piece of work but which you can listen to again and again because it's not one of those unbiqutous LPs where you either get sick of it after a dozen listens or you can't listen to regularly because it doesn't fit your mood. I felt this album for me was a mood setter because it puts you in a good one or sits nicely in the background where a cool riff comes bubbling out or an interesting lyric pops into your consciouness.

If you like cool, indie pop songs, with a nice North American twang and sensibilty then this is for you. If you're not sure, then get this and be converted.