What are two reasons, and the first is the fact that there is not merely a few devoted fans just helped her old idol into the studio and a little something which could have somehow done it. That alone was enough for a good hard drive. But the youngsters, as our old hero fellows who represent the other Texas, was the band Okkervil River, and their boss Will Sheff also drew still responsible for the production of the album, and mastered the masterly.
The second reason is the songs themselves: Not every Erickson solo album shines throughout with first class song material, this one has 12 musical gems. The opening "Devotional Number One" may be confused by his sound, a demo with bootleg sound, but played and sung devotedly as quite a few tracks of his time on the demo compilation "Gremlins Have Pictures", but the quaint "Is not Blues Too Sad "is already a studio track here captivating by its vocal harmonies. "Goodbye Sweet Dreams" it can rock, one of the few tracks on this rather quiet ballads and heavy plate. "Be And Bring Me Home" is a five and a half minutes Songpoem with a rich melody and an obviously autobiographical text, at this point the excellent booklet should be mentioned - all the lyrics, very informative and sympathetic written liner notes by Will Sheff, and some interesting photos from multiple decades even! "Bring Back The Past" rocks again, fine Texan Rock'n'Roll, since granddaddy Buddy Holly you know what that is, when (as here, of course) makes it great. "Please, Judge," was included on the 1994 album "All That May Do My Rhyme", the new recording here is incomparably better arranged, here is particularly good, which Producer qualities Sheff has. Even "John Lawman" is an older piece, a rough diamond with previous versions, the sound smoothed acting does not take the song still sharpness. The title track is one of the most beautiful, opulent country-folk-ballads that Erickson has always dominated, but in all beauty light years from schmaltzy outpourings no less representative of the genre away, because even with such songs Rocky voice unfolds its sharpness. "Think Of As One" is worn rock, the lyrics give a good piece of Family Psychology ago. "Birds'd Crash" is one of those Erickson solo numbers that well on "Easter Everywhere" or its derivatives Albums Feeling ago (when it would have been!) Would have fit, the guitar and the organ kidnap an in psychedelic spheres, and with the beautiful "God Is Everywhere" where an apparently old demo recording will sound technology combined with studio sounds, sounds from the plate.
Yes, it was certainly true love, which led to the production of this disc. From their musical and technical production quality they bring this love also to sound. Chapeau, Mr. Sheff & God bless you, Roky!
