Wouldn't it be nice if life did move in slow motion, just turning it down a notch?
I was very excited about the release of David Gray's seventh album and secretly hoping for a continuation of his masterpiece, White Ladder. Unfortunately, when I heard that this was his first time recording in a "full size studio" instead of his home I started to get a little worried; where there's a studio there's usually more racket and in this case it definitely feels like there's too much going on in the room. White Ladder was such a spiritual recording, I should have known something so special could never be duplicated, only aspired to.
But thankfully, Life In Slow Motion carries with it a force that implies David may have, at times, blocked out all the distractions, as though he was still recording at his own home. The beauty of David Gray has always been his voice, his no-nonsense lyrics and ability to create space amongst the music - all of this shines through.
My friend was telling me that he doesn't even know who David Gray is - I was actually at a loss for words, but not too surprised because this particular guy tends to shy away from anything emotional with substance thrown in. However, he might actually appreciate Life... because, even though Gray's typical melancholic charm shines through, he doesn't let you wallow for too long. Some abrupt arrangements have been added but you have to hope this experimentation was just a phase - unsettling is not a word we want to use to describe David Gray.
I just wish it did feel like life in slow motion, instead of just life in motion, but with all the crap out there this one is a necessity for the coming months. A perfect accompaniment for watching the leaves turn to snow... and tapping into your wine collection.
Edited: GS
Article comments
1 - Bob A. Booey
David Gray is precisely the type of artist I normally hate, the soft-rock, adult-contemporary wussy pop artists like John Mayer that he's normally grouped in with on radio stations named "The Lite -- Get Your Estrogen On."
But I have to admit that I liked his last album, particularly the singles. "Babylon" and especially "Please Forgive Me" were beautiful, if cheesy, pieces of pop music.
That being said, I don't think I'd buy this album or ever see him live.
That is all.
2 - Chris
Uh, think you missed a album in there. Babylon came from his White Laddder Album which was 2 albums before this.
I like his older stuff before White Ladder, has a bit more edge to it but all Davids stuff is awesome.
3 - D
I think if any music makes you feel like there's more estrogen in you...it's a problem with you...and not the music.
D.