In traditional roots music the simplicity of the musical accompaniment accentuates the emotional truths in the performer's voice and lyrics, in this music the voice and music work together to provide emotional resonance. Opera arias work in a similar manner, while the lyrics are telling the story, the voice that's singing becomes another instrument.

In Burnett's work it's almost like the opposite effect is accomplished. Instead of the vocals, and thus the lyrics, blending in to be a part of an emotional soundscape, the music becomes another voice articulating the themes of the song.

I have been working on this sound for a long time. We had done a great deal of experimentation in the studio and getting the sound was not something that could be gotten to quickly... I wanted to put listeners in the middle of this new sound, to experience it almost in 3D. I told the band to imagine we were playing in an auditorium, and to imagine that auditorium as a giant maraca and that we wanted to shake the audience as if they were beads inside the maraca. (T Bone Burnett)

Lyrically T Bone is as funny, ironic, and truthful as ever. The True False Identity is divided into two parts. Part one is titled "Art Of The State" and it contains songs that are primarily concerned with observations on society. "Poems Of The Evening", part two of the disc, puts a more personal perspective on display, while still keeping an eye on the world.

From indictments of society's willingness to be sheep in part one's "Zombieland" to the insecurities of modern relationships on part two's "Baby Don't You Say You Love Me" T Bone Burnett isn't afraid to talk about subjects that other's wouldn't touch with a ten foot poll. Even in those areas that others might touch upon, Burnett's approach is so unique and emotionally honest it can sometimes sound like nobody has ever written about this subject before.

This is a disc that can't be easily classified as "good" or "bad". You may not personally like the music, or you may adore it, but those aren't grounds for judgment on the quality of The True False Identity. I personally think it's a work of pop music genius as it pushes the boundaries of the genre in directions that nobody has dared to in years.

It's not a disc I am ever going to throw on for light background listening, nor is it one I will put on without careful consideration beforehand. The very elements that make it so brilliant, raw emotional truths, intelligent lyrics, and music that reflects all of that, also make it difficult to listen to if you are not prepared to pay attention.

Like any work of art, different people will perceive different things from their experience listening to this disc. To me is the best recommendation I could ever offer for anything.