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Sweeten the Distance
This review is part of a series in which I review Neal’s solo records one by one chronologically, and chat with various friends and bandmates who were part of the making of each record. From the definitive riff of the eponymous opening track, to the hymnal chords of the closing one, Neal Casal really hit his stride with Sweeten the Distance. The record is a fabulous summation of the two amazing albums preceding this one – the shimmering psychedelia present on No Wish to Reminisce, and the acoustic heartbeat heard on Roots and Wings, with a real sun-drenched sound. This…
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John Jeffrey – Passage
Each of John Jefrey’s “anti-compositions” are like pieces of stained glass. The multi-instrumentalist spent breaks between tours as drummer for Moon Duo working on his solo record, inspired by the serene natural landscape of his home of Vancouver and propelled by the idea of nature’s sentience; as well as Alice Coltrane and Canadian painter Takao Tanab. This music is a living, breathing thing – pastoral, intricate, multi-faceted. Though instrumental, it’s not a passive voyage. Each track is a journey unto itself, weaving an illuminated, brightly colored experience, listening not to pass the time but to reshape it. “Lonely Years” kicks…
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Sam Burton – I Can Go With You
Sam Burton’s debut record I Can Go With You is this amber-sounding, deep pool of moonlight. From the gentle lapping of the opening notes on “Nothing Touches Me,” to the resolution of “Tomorrow is an Ending,” it’s moving, cohesive, and a real thing of beauty. This album’s sound is so quietly large, so melancholy and rich with feeling while remaining completely understated and unassuming. The guitar is elegant and consistent and Tim Ramsey adds wistful, whimsical pedal steel. Sam’s far-ranging warble recalls troubadours Tims Hardin and Buckley, particularly on “Wave Goodbye.” His voice blending with Johansing’s ethereal harmonies elevate the…
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Roots and Wings
This review is part of a series in which I review Neal’s solo records one by one chronologically, and chat with various friends and bandmates who were part of the making of each record. Neal said that No Wish to Reminisce was the best album he’d made… until he followed it up in 2009 with the flawless Roots and Wings. As he wrote in a Stereokill interview in 2009, “I would describe it as the best record I’ve ever made beyond any doubt. I’ve combined twenty years of songwriting, playing, singing, and producing into a record that I’m really proud…
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No Wish to Reminisce
This review is part of a series in which I review Neal’s solo records one by one chronologically, and chat with various friends and bandmates who were part of the making of each record. The shimmering 2006 release on Fargo Records, No Wish to Reminisce, is one of the most impressive bodies of work Neal Casal released, with dramatic flourishes and layers of sound effects offering revelations anew with each listen. Neal had made several records in California by now, but found himself living back east again. He headed up to Studio .45 in Connecticut with Dan Fadel and Jeff…
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Return In Kind
This review is part of a series in which I review Neal’s solo records one by one chronologically, and chat with various friends and bandmates who were part of the making of each record. Neal Casal’s 2005 covers album Return In Kind showcases what an absolute head Neal was – the song choices display the wide array of genres he loved. Neal was a perpetual student – he was obsessed with music, always wanted to hear more and learn more, although he probably knew more than anyone. This album is full of rare gems – he completely skips any obvious…
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Gunn-Truscinski Duo – Soundkeeper : Review
Soundkeeper is a 72-minute suite of swirling guitar, gentle and decided drums, a cascading sound odyssey. It’s instrumental, but far from ambient- engaging, pulsating, building tension that culminates in staggering climaxes, crashing and oscillating, waves of sound. One song flows seamlessly into the next, only the sounds of cheers from the audience in the midst of “Pyramid Merchandise” rouses you from deep hypnosis to remind you that the sound is manufactured by humans, not elemental (only “Merchandise” and “Soundkeeper” are live – recorded at Union Pool). “Valley Spiral” is a synesthete’s dream, throbbing, blooming. “Northwest” incorporates bottleneck guitar to tip…
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Ran On Pure Lightning
This review is part of a series in which I review Neal’s solo records one by one chronologically, and chat with various friends and bandmates who were part of the making of each record. This short and sweet collection of songs released in 2002 came to be after Neal finished a tour as a part of Beachwood Sparks and joined the incredible Shannon McNally’s touring band, along with Neal’s friends Jeff Hill and Dan Fadel, who would stay up late after shows to listen to records and go on to form Hazy Malaze. Recorded at what was then known as…
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Anytime Tomorrow
This review is part of a series in which I review Neal’s solo records one by one chronologically, and chat with various friends and bandmates who were part of the making of each record. The beachy, sun-filled Anytime Tomorrow marks a turning point in Neal’s musical career. It’s when Neal really goes electric, and it’s one of my absolute favorites – it embodies his musical transition from New Jersey Americana to California gold. Recorded in North Hollywood with the usual players, it’s the first real rock album of his career, although apparently not everyone thought so! I learned from talking…
