Williams uses a more full-band sound on My Better Self, making it more of a pop than folk record (in sound but not in spirit). Sonically, it's gorgeous. Thanks to guests Marshal Crenshaw (the man on guitar...check out his work on the cover of Neil Young's "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere"), Soulive and Patty Larkin. Dar's nuanced voice has never sounded more at home. Listen to the ethereal "Blue Light Of The Flame" to see what I mean.
- When our leader gets the hungry fed food
When you just make love inside your bedroom
It echoes...all over the world
What seems like the companion piece to "Echoes" is the closing "The Hudson". While not a political statement, it does bring up a person's sense of community. Also resurrected is the idea of humanity's interconnectedness. Plus, with Patty Larkin's harmonies, it's just a beautiful, beautiful song.
Music and politics can and do mix. The sentiments expressed on My Better Self are heartfelt and quite sincere and require no further justification. And really, I can't put my own views out there any better than this:
- Every time you love just a little
Take One step closer, solving a riddle
It echoes...all over the world
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