I have a confession to make and it is one that is going to blow any music credibility I ever had right away. Here it is: I am not a fan of Elvises. Elvis Presley, for example...I could write a dissertation about why I dislike his music. And Elvis Costello, interesting as he, as well as his songs, may seem from an objective point of view, never really did anything for me, either. But that takes us to a new Elvis for my generation named Elvis Perkins and this time, everything feels just right.
Oddly enough as it seems, Elvis Perkins is the son of actor Anthony Perkins, known for perhaps one of the most famous roles in all of cinematic history, which is that of Norman Bates in Hitchcock’s Psycho. That being said, don’t expect to find any true hints of film noir played among the musical schemes of Ash Wednesday, the debut album from Elvis Perkins (and his backing band known as Dearland). Though there are rather melancholy lyrics, this album is in general low-key folk so poignant at times that it really gets to you. For example, take the song “Emile’s Vietnam in the Sky,” a clear stand out track on his album and of the set when Elvis asks 'Do you ever wonder where you go when you die?' It’s within lyrics like these that Elvis gets it right and stands above many of the singer/songwriters of today.
Live, the five members on stage really brought about an even greater sort of sense to some of the songs. The guitar melody lines were well complimented by the stand up bass and harmonium playing. Elvis clearly grew increasingly comfortable and a part of his own musical realm as time went on as well and a feeling that this was greatness surely was felt throughout the audience. If you enjoy the songs on Ash Wednesday, I would highly recommend catching him the next time he comes to Chicago. Highlights of the set included “Ash Wenesday” and “While You Were Sleeping.”
gotta agree...
i felt really lucky to be there.
there was a feeling of 'greatness' in the air...
Posted by: | 12/20/2007 at 02:27 PM