Devendra Banhart - Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon
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Free Music Notes for Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon
Free Music Review: A true letdown
Hit: 2 Stars
"Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon" is Devendra's most diverse release to date. Then how come it's so inferior to his previous work? Well, it seems like the long haired child lost his muse that led him through "Rejoicing in the Hands", "Ni?o Rojo" and "Cripple Crow". Most of the material here is pretty, but offers no real content. The production is the most puzzling yet for Devendra. Unlike the home recordings of "Oh Me Oh My" and crystal clear sound of "Ni?o Rojo" and "Rejoicing in the Hands", here we have what appears to be a 60s-influenced production style that tries to cover up for the lack of substance. The record went through extensive mixing and for the most part, Devendra's vocals are unrecognizable. Lyrically, it adds a nice touch to his collection with a handful of songs in Spanish. The record is instrumentally lush, but rather underwhelming.
From a fairly good opener "Cristobal" to the uninteresting closer "My Dearest Friend", "Smokey" is a mixed bag of songs varying in quality. In certain moments, Devendra seems to be digging through his catalogue, recycling his melodies and relying too much on the production techniques. "Samba Vexillographica" has a guitar melody reminiscent of "Santa Maria De Feira" and "Long Haired Child" seems to have a descendant in "Lover". Other times, vocal harmonies are here to hide the fact that very little is offered on this album. When the intimacy of his earlier work appears on "Canyon", it is wasted on lifeless songs such as "Sea Side" and "Freely". Many songs were written for the piano, an instrument Banhart isn't very capable with. The material is bland and calmness soon becomes lethargy.
"Sea Horse" whirls around trying to find a structure. The first two minutes are completely empty until Devendra adopts a catchy piano melody and soon adds an electric guitar. However, it serves as a proof of his self-indulgence, clocking in at eight minutes. "Bad Girl" is an exemplary track for the record: it is pretty, but leaves the listener feeling nothing. "Saved" is a clich?d track with its slow beat, backing vocals and an unpleasant melody on organ. "Lover" tries to bring some life into the record, but fails as it ends abruptly. Apart from its chorus and strings, "Freely" is rather flaccid. The record ends with "I Remember" and "My Dearest Friend", both equally weak.
There is some good material to be found on "Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon". "Rosa" actually benefits from the calm atmosphere and simplistic piano playing and grows on the listener with frequent listens. "Shabop Shalom" actually manages to be interesting. After a spoken word intro, it brings some life into the record with a nice beat and a great piano melody. The record continues strongly with "Tonada Yanomaminista". The tension in "Carmensita" is almost unbearable and it is easily one of the highlights. Things get even better in "The Other Woman", a reggae track that shows how vocally brilliant a Devendra song can be.
"Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon" shows how essentially flawed Banhart's work is and makes one doubt that he'll ever grow into a good musician. If you are interested in exploring Devendra's works, I highly recommend "Cripple Crow" as it easily outshines everything else he did. "Smokey" was most probably intended for people who coped well with plain material on Devednra's previous works. It does not make for a good listening experience and it is best to keep hoping that one day, Banhart will second-guess himself and his music and make a truly exceptional piece of art. The chances are quite thin, but no one can benefit from pessimism, right?
Free Music Review: I'll roll down Thunder Canyon with Smokey for the rest of my life!
Hit: 5 Stars
I would've never thought that Devendra Banhart would go and record one of my all-time favorite albums / cd's. I originally bought Rejoicing In The Hands and didn't really care that much for it (I sold it), but Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon is an entirely different matter. This one is a timeless beauty - a modern classic. I am never going to tire of these wonderful songs - I already know this for sure. Honorable mention goes to Seahorse, Bad Girl (my favorite song here) and Freely, which reminds me a little of the J.J. Cale classic Magnolia.
But all the songs are wonderful, each in their own way. Highly recommended!
Free Music Review: Sad, Strange Magic
Hit: 4 Stars
"Smokey..." brings to mind a magic realist novel set to music, conjuring up the ocean, seahorses and the ghosts of Tropicalia. But while there are joyful, playful sounds on the likes of Lover and Carmensita, the album is also infused with sadness over the end of a relationship.
It feels like this was recorded outside on a warm summer night, after the most of the guests at the party have drifted away and only the hardcore remain around the fire. The musicians throw everything into the mix - reggae, bossa nova, psychedelia, folk. There are shades of British pop mavericks Shack and Orange Juice at times, and long-lost folk singer Vashti Bunyan makes an appearance.
The overall effect is mysterious, magical and moving.
Free Music Review: Take me to that place over and over again...
Hit: 5 Stars
Okay, so I admit it. I bought this album solely because I developed a miserable crush on Devendra based ONLY on his looks. But then I began to think perhaps maybe he had some talent to go along with his funky persona. So, I chose the latest album. Let me tell you, I am ever so glad I did. I am hooked. Much the way I became hooked on all my favorites such as Cat Stevens, Elliott Smith, Jethro Tull, Donovan, Leonard Cohen, PJ Harvey, and the list goes on...Devendra is another one that I will follow to see where his career takes him. I only hope he doesn't become too commercial or too cocky when his popularity grows and his fame takes him to places he might not otherwise find himself going to. This album will not disappoint. There is certainly enough on here to choose from depending on your mood or vibe. I love, I mean love, that he sings in spanish too. Very sexy and sultry. I have a clear vision of Devendra and his many talented friends all hanging out in Topanga Canyon making groovy music together....and doing other various things that shall not be mentioned here.. I only wish I was young enough to become a groupie. Mmm good.Free Music Review: Excellent
Hit: 4 Stars
This is a fun, diverse collection of songs. One is assured to find something to enjoy here.