The long winded title of the latest Devendra Banhart album is definitely one of the best albums of 07 and a high note in Banhart's career.

I just listened to it yesterday, and I didn't like it at all. It's not as freaky as a lot of his past stuff, but it's still got this nonchalant, light-hearted mood about it that I abhor.

I think it's solid but I'll need a few more listens before I can say anything for sure.

quote:

Originally posted by RavingLunatic:
I just listened to it yesterday, and I didn't like it at all. It's not as freaky as a lot of his past stuff, but it's still got this nonchalant, light-hearted mood about it that I abhor.

I think that this was a huge move on his part; he totally recreates his style by removing the really odd shtick and throwing in some styles from various parts of the world. He did exactly what I wasn't expecting him to and I like that.

Now, I still haven't decided how much I like the actual music, it's alright but nothing special so far.

This is one I'm anticipating. I'm generally not a fan of freak-folk, neo-folk or whatever you want to call it, but for being the freaky weirdo that he is, Banhart's got some talent. It reminds me more of the psychedelic era folk-rock than anything else, especially Donovan. I listened to "Carmencita" on his MySpace page, which is terrific.

Unlike RL, I like that Banhart doesn't stick to the overly serious, sad-bastard style that's defined much of folk in recent times. There's a lot of fun and wittiness in his songs, but it never gets cheesy. "Chinese Children" from Cripple Crow always put a smile on my face and was one of my favorite tracks of 2005.

Usually there are a few tracks I enjoy from his albums, but there wasn't anything from this new one.

There are some acts that seem to die after I see them live. Devendra is one of them. I guess the mediocrity of Cripple Crow had something to do with it, but I think something about experiencing it live makes me listen to the records differently and that doesn't help sometimes. Also I started to think of him more as a mountain man pedophile and that didn't help either (the only good songs on Cripple Crow have the words "child" or "children" in their titles, just sayin'.)

So basically, unless I hear a whole wave of glowing comments regarding this thing I probably won't check it out.

Overall, I don't think it's as good as Cripple Crow, but there are still some great moments on Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon. Two things I think would heighten my appreciation of Devendra Banhart:

1. Make a normal length album. He doesn't need to put every song he writes on the album.

2. I wish he would rock out more. He made his name writing quieter folk tunes, but the more upbeat numbers from the last two albums were the best. The end of "Bad Girl" and the second half of "Seahorse" are a side of Banhart I'd like to see more of.