STILL SINGLE

A space for thoughts on music and culture, as written by Doug Mosurock and a select handful of individuals. This is intended as a supplement to our regular feature Still Single, published on Dusted Magazine. Updates will run here more frequently, and may feature writing on music not covered in the column. Compact discs are still not accepted for review -- we have more than enough vinyl and the occasional cassette to worry about.

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January 3, 2012

James Blackshaw – Holly 12” EP (Important)

James Blackshaw’s efforts to grow beyond his early ascendance to the throne of boy king of the tremolo twelve-string guitar fantasia have yielded decidedly mixed results. For every moment of panoramic beauty, there are a couple others that plod under the burden of not-yet-unpacked influence. He takes a step back on Holly’s two tracks, and it might be just the thing he needs to do to find his way forward. “Boo Forever” opens with a gambit that is vintage Blackshaw circa Sunshrine, all graceful flow and glistening twelve-string resonance, then segues into a woodwind-voiced theme that wears its soundtracky prettiness with dignity and ease. The title tune is a more layered construction, with discrete cycles of nylon string guitar, piano, and clarinet spinning one on top of another so that their individual muted colors blur into a brighter whole. This isn’t a breakthrough, but it’s the most consistent thing Blackshaw has released since The Cloud Of Unknowing. Clear vinyl, gorgeous matte print job on the sleeve. (http://www.importantrecords.com)
(Bill Meyer)

1 month ago • 2 notes

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