What the Night Said

Will Stratton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 24, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Stunning Models on
• ASIN: B000QUU5I6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,005 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The desire to approximate what Nick Drake did on Pink Moon and apply it to one's own circumstances or era has bedeviled a couple of generations of artists. (So much so that a Drake comparison itself has developed the weight of cliché, yet somehow we all know that such a comparison is aimed primarily at Pink Moon and not at his lushly produced, earlier albums.) Will Stratton does not sound like Drake (so much), but Stratton has produced something stirring and hyper-personal yet universally beautiful on What the Night Said. And Pink Moon is the paragon of that achievement, so it is evoked here to foster understanding for a remarkable album, since most singer/songwriters fall far from that mark while chasing that comet tail in their bedrooms. That Stratton was barely out of his teens at the time of this album's recording (while a student at Bennington College in Vermont), makes it all that more remarkable. "Katydid" is a track of pure alchemy, dotted with bright piano notes, cello, and harpsichord, with Stratton's completely guileless, smooth, and breathy vocals tracked so closely as to sound like they're being poured in the listener's ear. "Sunol" does actually sound like a Pink Moon track, particularly in the wheeling rounds of finger plucked acoustic guitar (with heavily thumbed bass notes), but it is only a reference point, and Stratton's breathy close-mic vocal style is at its best on this track. What really defines this album, though, is the lushness of Stratton's vision, poetically and musically. Even though his songs seem to come from a nearly monkish vantage point of isolation, there is lifting beauty here, a need for connection, and breathtaking flights, swoops, and turns of melody. From Mark Kozelek to Mojave 3 to Damon & Naomi, so many accomplished artists have effectively set off after this precarious balance of levity and gravity; on this album Stratton ranks with the absolute best. --All Music Guide

Product Description

No one ever said being humble is a bad thing. It's certainly not bad in the case of Will Stratton, because he really doesn't seem to comprehend the reaches of his musicianship. Not only does Will have talent, but he has manners, modesty, compassion, and optimism - characteristics rarely found in young musicians. Will's personality is absolutely demonstrated in his debut album. The music on What The Night Said ... is gentle but intense. Will has the uncanny ability to compose intricate songs that speak to the listener in such an effortless and beautiful . The tone of the album reflects the contradictions of peace and uneasiness during the dark hours. Standard Jewel Case.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awesome cd, November 24, 2009

By 

Blissful Bride (Georgia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What the Night Said (Audio CD)

This is a great cd if you like mellow music. It is very soothing and I enjoy it when I want to calm down and relax. Great price, as well.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesom!, February 21, 2009

By 

Jackie J. Hansen "HappyJackie" (Houma, LA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What the Night Said (Audio CD)

This was an awesome album! If you like modern folk like William Fitzsimmons and Iron & Wine then there is no doubt that you will enjoy this album.