Customer Reviews

Nuclear Daydream (Dig)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This latest record from who i consider to be the best american solo artist is another step foward for Mr. Arthur. I would say its not quite as dark as Our shadows will remain, more closer to Redemptions Son in sound and songwriting. Joseph returns to his acoustic guitar and allover the place vocals that made the last three records so compelling. The songs here are all strong- more sparse and relaxed than previous efforts -some have that potential small time hit as all Arthur records have- but most are just written with art and heart at mind. Arthur seems comfortable being a cult artist and isnt trying to compromise his vision for mainstream success. Nuclear Daydream is a great introduction to a new fan- and old fans will be pleased. Soundwise there is a very strong hint of early Neil Young- not only vocally at times but in the song structures though Arthurs innovative use of live loops and electronic touches makes it sound modern and different. The rich textures with piano synth strings and ofcourse real drums are scattered among the tracks and Arthurs voice morphs high and low dramatically with odd vocal treatments especially in the choruses. The slower songs all have that lazy haunting voice that fans have come to love and i would say Nuclear Daydream sits well beside come to where im from and redemptions as his best work. Hes touring now so catch his amazing live show- a real one man band in action.

On "Nuclear Daydream (Dig)," Joseph Arthur unclutters his sound and relies more on arrangements and simple acoustic guitar. The results are a leaner sound, one that has more space and fewer layers---not that one should expect anything sparse! (I felt that at times his creative instincts were overwhelming, even distracting, on his previous release "Our Shadows Will Remain.") These songs, which are tales about troubled lives, troubled relationships, finding love, and soul searching may not mine any new territory, but they have a lilting energy that recalls Nick Drake in his rare up moments.

Mr. Arthur's distinct singing voice and shimmering guitar dominate this recording (I'm so glad he has not made an acoustic album), and his knack for layering choruses and plying emotion from a multitude of instruments and effects shine throughout "Nuclear Daydream (Dig)." I suspect this CD will make many "best of" lists in the coming year.

Was a bit skeptical of buying this album given that I was not thrilled with the "Come to Where I'm From" album (except for In the Sun, Chemical), but I was sold with Black Lexus on a Paste CD and Slide Away on Letterman. Thankfully, of the singer/songwriters, probably the best album since Josh Rouse's Nashville ... both smooth albums, although the similarities end there. Enough to Get Away makes you smile with every listen, and some fine strumming underlies most of the other songs. The album will not likely disappoint.

I have yet to meet anyone who even knows who Joseph Arthur is. As a professional DJ, and exposed to music of all genres, I have never been so moved by an "artist" as I have by Arthur's music, poetry, lyrics and artwork. I will have the opportunity to see him live in less than 1 month, and very timely as the new release on his own label of "Nuclear Daydream" is more consistant in style than any of his other work. With so many styles on each CD, and there are many, I was so pleased to see him follow suit with each song. I love all his music, but he has never been afraid to "switch gears" in style from one song to the next. This album flows so smoothly with such simplicity. Each song is very melodic and the vocal layers are amazing. This is also the first Joseph Arthur CD I have seen at a commercial record store! This could be his best work to date, but that is no surprise to me. I have anticipated it's release for months, and knew in my heart it would be just that. I sensed a spiritual struggle in Joseph's life, coming out in his artwork and music, sometimes unsettling, but he seems to have come to terms generating a "peace" in theses songs that must be heard to fully understand. Joseph Arthur is a such a well kept "secret" in the music industry, I hope this album helps him surface to the heights he deserves to be at with greater recognition.

Saw Joseph Arthur on TV one night and decided to get the CD. WOW! It is absolutely a pleasure. Like to play it while I do paperwork or as background music when a few friends are over. I realize this is not a "profound" review; I just wanted to weigh in and say this is a melodic, soft, beautiful CD. Very, very enjoyable.

Joseph Arthur has returned with his strongest album since Redemption's Son. Nuclear Daydream is Arthur's fifth album and in many ways it's his first conventional record acoustic rock record. For most of his career he has toured as a one man band. Using the latest technological equipment to create loops Arthur is used to be alone on stage. Touring for Nuclear Daydream he has decided to play with a band (tentatively named the Lonely Astronauts). This is a welcome change, and the band is amazing.

This record is also the first album released on Arthur's new record label; another record is in the works for 2007. I purchased the record off his website a few days before it was released and it was shipped with a bootleg from a show in 2004. "You Are Free," "Slide Away," "Black Lexus," and "Too Much to Hider" all are great. The title track is a fitting conclusion to one of Arthur's best pieces of work. Joseph Arthur continues to grow as an artist and Nuclear Daydream is another fine addition to his discography.

Listened to this while driving to work through all kinds of times -- seems to fit in so many moods. Perfect, soothing and energizing. Excellent life sound track. Track 2 and 6 --- Stand outs.

Killer record! Such a talent...songwriting, vocals, and playing all the instruments. Why isn't Joseph Arthur famous? Not for lack of passion or artistry. You owe it to yourself to check him out.

JA brings a dirty nonchalance to your ears, hinting at influences that have tripped him up and smacked him upside the head along the way. His performance drips with emotions genuine and true. This is not a studio hound, this is a guy who took up guitar because it was the only way he could find to say what had to be said. And he'll have you saying it, too. I defy you to listen to You Are Free and then carve it out of your psyche once you leave your car or drop your iPod on the night stand. "Honest music" is such a trite expression. Regardless, Arthur is there. Enjoy.

I happened across Joseph Arthur's music completely by accident on internet radio, and I cannot understand for the life of me why he is not famous - this album and Redemption's Son are two of my top ten favorite albums, and his other stuff is not far behind. He can actually carry a tune, and uses his vocal range extremely artistically and pleasantly to get the most out of every song, unlike a lot of male singers who are popular these days. I find his music very soothing and am currently listening to one of his albums to comfort myself after my ears were assaulted by a Wilco album.