Customer Reviews

Wilderness

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

 

 

This is possibly a "perfect" album. Now before you roll your eyes, notice the quotes around perfect. Those mean that I really like the "Chicago" sound found in most Sea and Cake/Sam Prekop/Tortise/Archer Prewitt etc. records. But this one has all the right elements. The arrangements, the production, and the vibe of the album all feel so right. This is one of those albums that will soak into the fabric of your life over the next few months. It becomes your personal soundtrack. Only a few rare albums can affect you so that in years to come if you hear the songs again you will get that "feeling" you had when you were first listening to them. I believe this is one of those albums.

OK, I've listened twice today, twice yesterday. Now the greatness only hinted at on first listening is truly unfolding. Prewitt has made a deep, hauntingly beautiful masterwork -- at once spare and lush, with flowing textures and tempos that constantly surprise. It's a disk that moves me in a way that's hard to define (like the feeling I had first listening to Uncle Tupelo's "Anodyne") -- alt rock that's rich and subtle. This music is timeless, bringing '70's singer-songwriter intimacy (with a touch of the '60's orchestral pop I love) to a higher level. Maybe if I listen enough, I'll actually catch all the lyrics -- but that's for tomorrow.

I am going to have to echo the -close to perfection- sentiment of the other reviewers. There are songs on here that reach the level of perfection and there are some that touch on it for one brief moment. Obviously every listener will have his or her own idea as to what perfection is.

His style is that of the indie singer/songwriter but he doesn't solely rely on the guitar and piano. He makes use of almost every instrument under the sun... mellotron, vibes, stylophone, drums, percussion, bass, bell piano, organ, trumpet, violin, cello, saxophone and trombone.... but he uses each sound sparingly and expertly to craft some of the most wonderful pop songs I have ever heard.

This album has a timeless quality to it. It could have been released in the 1970's, 1980's, 1990's or now. I am glad it is now and I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates well crafted music. Definitely will be on my top of 2005 list. Standout tracks are WAY OF THE SUN, LEADERS, O KY, CHEAP RHYME, WITHOUT YOU, and WILDERNESS.

At first I found this album a bit dull and samey, due to the slightly folksy sound, off-kilter guitar chords and multidirectional song structure.

I'm so thankful I kept this in my record rotation. When the songs finally click with you, it's a real thrill. For me, it happened with the latter half of the disc. The songs Cheap Rhyme, O Lord, Without You and Wilderness opened up and revealed stunning beauty.

Although it's a different sound, the hidden surprises remind me of how I felt when I finally fell for Love's "Forever Changes."

Archer Prewitt was poised to put out an album of this consistent quality. While he and his accomplished band have been brilliant at times, they always seemed to leave me feeling there was something missing.

This record finally fills in all the blanks and is a genuinely brilliant piece. It really captures everything that I've felt that Archer Prewitt has been capable of.

simple complex dark light silk sandpaper war peace beginning end fresh rotten you've been spiked

I assure anyone who reads this that Archer Prewitt - Wilderness is an emotion

This album is superb in its thick and complex textures. I can just echo what others have said--this is a very emotive album and it explores all sorts of territory. It constantly changes pace and style in a way that is natural, flowing, and almost always interesting. And the whole work is suffused with a simply beautiful optimism.

And when the the music soars, it's absolutely thrilling.

This CD sounds like it could have been from the best band in the world that you never heard of. It's the kind of CD that a musician plays you after you've stayed up all night together paying homage to Jack Kerouac. Reminds me of the best of all of my favorite artists, from John Frusciante to George Harrison and yes, Big Star. I love the way the arrangements seem to weave back and forth through different decades.

This is quite possibly the most beautiful album I have ever heard. The only thing to come this close to perfection in recent memory is Circulatory System's debut. The only people that dislike either album also dislike puppies and sunshine and enjoy clubbing baby seals.

I bought this album after I read a review of it and I saw the album cover on AMG, for those you have only heard of this album from amazon the cover is of a drawing of a toppless woman with a flower in her hair. It's a great cover and a even greater album. If you're into indie rock that is bare bones, but rich in texture you'll love this.

Given the glowing reviews here, on Pitchfork, and elsewhere, I expected something completely different. This album is horribly dull. His previous album, "Three," is much more creative and interesting.