It's gotten to the point where any time I go to the used CD
store, I automatically look at everything released by
Philo/Rounder/Rykodisc Records. The music is always odd, unique,
refreshing, and I've discovered a lot of fun artists on those
labels. Christine Lavin comes to mind; so does Disappear Fear. This
is how I found Vance Gilbert, and I consider myself damned
fortunate to have done so.
Gilbert's hard to compare. The closest I can come to explaining it is a more articulate Richie Havens, or a more earthy Harry Chapin; his lyrics are crystalline, complex, on the level of Neil Peart. His guitar playing is exceptional, and his voice murmurs like a lover or trumpets like a clarion, versatile and expressive. If it sounds like I'm hooked, I am. Shaking Off Gravity is a 'semi-live' release; the songs on it were recorded spontaneously, but cleaned up in production. The sound is sparse, scaled-down, and fits the songs well.
The CD kicks off with the bittersweet "The Hey La Dee Dah Song", and never lets up. "Taking It All To Tennessee", "Watching A Good Thing Burn", "House Of Pain", all are clear, unflinching photographs of a breakup happening in slow motion. (One wonders what Gilbert was going through personally while this CD was being recorded.)
Through it all, Gilbert's lyrics sting like angry hornets and soothe like a mother's voice; I wish I could just quote you all of them, badgering you all into purchasing this outstanding CD. One line that stands out: "I haven't heard you mention tomorrow and my name in the same phrase/Since this Smoky Mountain conversation started..." Gilbert is a master of the casual turn of phrase, and when you add his sense of humour that bubbles right below the surface, he's a joy to listen to.
Gilbert has two other CDs. I've not found them yet, but I intend to. Even if you're not as lucky as I was to stumble over this CD, go find it if you like intelligent folk-rock at all. It's worth the search.