Langhorne Slim – Langhorne Slim
It took DC to introduce me to Langhorne Slim, when I first played Celebrity Chimp on these pages. I don’t think I’d ever have explored him without some prompting because the name conjures up redneck cowboy country to me, and I avoid that music like the plague. Thank fuck some people have more sense than I do.
It’s not redneck cowboy music by any means, but it’s got a touch of honky-tonk, a little country, some American folk and god knows what else. It’s very traditional in that sense, but such a mish-mashed reinterpretation of those traditional things that the blanket term ‘Americana’ is about the best I think I can come up with.
This self-titled release is a truly great album. The pace is so varied, you are taken from ragamuffin barroom clatter to wistful country-flecked balladry in moments – all engaging, spirited and powerful. He’s a New Yorker, a couple of years younger than my little brother, but he gives the impression of a veteran with a significant back catalogue. I was so fooled I went looking for one, and bar a few bits and pieces it just isn’t there.
His voice is forceful, but scratchy and vulnerable enough to make his sadder songs really touching. For the most part however, the pace of this music is more driving than that, even the unhappier songs full of sound and pushing forwards with purpose, making it a real toe-tapping, swirling, joy of a record. Huzzah for the Americana, this week. I was sure I used to be an indie-kid.
Langhorne Slim – Rebel Side of Heaven
Langhorne Slim – Hummingbird
See?
1) trying out a different email address to see if the ‘spam’ filter is basing ti on emails rather than IPs, &
2) Brilliant Album & Brilliant Live. Go See Him.
Nice one – saw him in London a couple of years ago and he was excellent.
DC – maybe it’s just read some of your more loquacious comments and decided that enough is enough? I’ve emailed Akismet and asked them to sort it out, so hopefully fixed shortly. Don’t worry though, I’ll keep fishing them out of the spam bin.
Hi Rich, well I think I get to see him play in August, so I’ll have to wait until then, but see him I will. Really looking forward to it after this.
Is it just me or do these files not work?
No, I had just been a fuckwit. Fixed now. Sorry everyone.
Aren’t these two tracks fantastic?
It’s a delightful melting pot of Americana, as Matthew said. You know, I think there’s just a little soupçon of Motown in the mix too, and an echo of Smokey Robinson in the voice. It’s all good.
That’s okay, folks.
You can all thank me for introducing you to them by getting Toad to post more about The Gourds TWR show podcast.
Seems fair, eh?
P
First Felice Brothers, then Christopher Denny, now Langhorne Slim. We’ll turn you into a country, folk, and Americana loving hillbilly like myself eventually.
More recommendations for you: Alejandro Escovedo, Samoa Wilson & The Jim Kweskin Band, Interference (Irish band), Eilen Jewell, and Pina. Reviews of each on my site if you’re interested, I won’t spam ya.
I first heard Langhorne Slim’s music in the movie Waitress.
Spam away Vic, it’s not spam when it’s welcome. I know Alejandro Escovedo (love bits) and Eilen Jewel (quite like all of the one album I have) but the other three are completely new to me.
None of those bands are my fault though. The Felice Brothers was C&B, Langhorne Slim was DC’s fault and Christopher Denny was Wendy, I think, but I couldn’t swear to it. I’m innercent yeronner.
Langhorne’s grand. I saw him for the fifth (!) time on Wednesday, and he keeps getting better with each show. His backing musicians are great, too. Photos should be coming later today, speaking of which (no shameless promotion here!).
Have you tried his EPs, Toad? I actually like The Electric Love Letter and Engine better than his full-lengths. I’d give ‘em a try if you liked this album as much as you did.