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As a music writer, it doesn't get a whole lot better than this
- learning about new music and hearing things that you probably
would never otherwise hear. From the first moment of C. Gibbs'
latest record, I was completely hooked. Of course, the first moments
were spent in wonder at the Nick Cave on twangy country
steroids vibe of "Ferdinand". And then the album really
began, further encouraging my admiration, but changing my opinions
somewhat. "Why?" You ask? Well, let me tell you.
"Ferdinand" is a rich track, filled with twanging guitars
and dark, deep vocals that recall the very finest moments of Tom
Waits, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, etc. The song is near
three minutes of perfect alt-country sound. It is a song that
I would recommend everyone in the world hears at least once, and
it is the kind of song that could be used as a music listening
litmus test. Put it on with a group of people and you could easily
weed out the wheat from the chaff…
Then the real album begins. We are treated to music of a more
Americana/folk nature, with some definite country overtones, and
brilliant playing. But the voice changes. Suddenly gone is the
deep, thick Cave-like vocal and in its place is a more natural,
Neil Young style vocal. The true voice of C. Gibbs comes
forth. This voice compliments the music a bit more, lightening
the mood a bit, and becoming more listenable and endearing as
the album progresses. And these songs are awesome, from the light
swing of "Devil's Water" to the brilliant downbeat folkishness
of "Sorry Sade". The album carries effortlessly from
song to song, never leaving a space or tune that might allow disinterest
to gather. Each of these songs is well written and fascinating
in its own particular way. "Parade Of Small Horses"
equals the finest (long-gone) moments of Wilco, with its
easy-going rhythms and bright pop melody that makes for a memorable
little chorus. The guitar on "Duplicate Machines" would
make Pete Anderson proud, fully twanging out while rocking
with a bright presence rarely found on indie records, and even
some very cool steel licks. The album wraps with "Lonely
On A Saturday Night", which is an eerie folk-bent track filled
with beautiful strings and softly chiming keyboards. Gibbs' voice
never sounds as clean and transcendent as when he utters "When
you hide your eyes from me/ it's a case, in pride, you've made/
when you lie on your lady back tears/ it's a price, in time, I'll
pay… When I'm lonely on Saturday night."
Take it from me, folks, this is an album worth hearing if you
are at all interested in any of the bands that I have spoken about
above. Or even if you like any of the following: Paul Simon,
Crosby, Stills and Nash, Bright Eyes, Elliott
Smith, Modest Mouse, or The Shins. This is the
beginning of something grand.
-Embo Blake
Track Listing:
1. Ferdinand
2. Honeywell
3. Devil's Water
4. Two Dollar Ford
5. Tenhorse
6. Parade Of Small Horses
7. Sorry Sade
8. Tiny Bridges
9. Duplicate Machines
10. So Long Marie
11. All State Union Song
12. Lonely On A Saturday Night
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