Joseph Arthur

Editor's Review:

My first exposure to Joseph Arthur was at the Experience Music Project in Seattle this past summer. Situated in the back of one exhibit was a small display with an oddly decorated acoustic guitar and a television which ran a looped video featuring Arthur at work in the studio. It stuck me how his songs, much like the guitar placed on display, were arranged in a collage-like manner - incongruous bits and pieces fit together to create a striking picture.
Arthur's latest Our Shadows Will Remain, feels like it was constructed in the same manner. The singer/songwriter/producer uses any and all means at his disposal. Produced beats and electronic flourishes combine with strings, acoustic and electric guitars and deep bass, meshed together in the most unlikely places. Nothing seems out of bounds, and Arthur pieces these odd-fitting parts together in such a way that each track seems to give birth to the next. Heralded by soaring strings, the onset of dirty electric guitars give "Devil's Broom" the feel of a gritty rock number before the music slinks back into a softer string sound, gentle guitar picking and elegant, somber vocal harmonies on the following track, "Echo Park."
Aside from his studio ingenuity, Arthur's true talent is his ability to make the most simple sentiments and emotions absolutely stirring. Catchy songs like "Even Tho" and "Puppet" may inspire hope and joy just as easily as the downtrodden "A Smile That Explodes" could bring you to tears, which is the best testament to this album's superior craftsmanship.
- James Barone
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Record Label Vector Records Released November 2004

Tracks In Ohio Can't Exist Stumble and Pain Devil's Broom Echo Park Even Tho Puppets Wasted Failed I Am A Smile That Explodes Leave Us Alone

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