Published on May 26, 1999
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.