James Yorkston – When the Haar Rolls In
Blimey James Yorkston has hit his stride. Not to imply that he was struggling to do so before of course, but in terms of having the confidence to experiment a little, whilst not being so frantic to reinvent himself that he throws the baby out with the bathwater, he has created an album with real presence.
It’s familiar, but something quite fundamental in the rhythm, particularly the rhythm of the vocal delivery, seems to have changed. It spills more, flows like an insistent stream, not strident, but purposeful. It is in fact very much like beat poetry (and not the kind you’re thinking of) at times. What I mean by that is that Yorkston seems to be increasingly disinclined to write choruses. I mean, he still does, but I find myself identifying songs more by the rise and roll of the rhythm, rather than by the lines in the chorus.
It seems somehow symphonic, too. I somehow think of symphonic as different from orchestral – more lilting, less bombastic – but I know I am not using the words in any way literally in so doing. It’s a little grander a sound than the rather too minimal Year of the Leopard, and less traditionally assembled than the glorious Just Beyond the River and Moving Up Country. Between that and the subtly adventurous arrangements, the aforementioned impression that he is really hitting his stride starts to emerge.
As writers of hush-folk go (although Yorkston, like Rob St. John, prefers to be referred to as a writer of pop songs) I am not sure there is anyone better around today. There’s a wonderful gentleness to his music, even when the song itself is about heartbreak, which envelops and comforts you like warm evening darkness. I love this record, and even if you splash out and buy the box set, this is money well worth spending.
James Yorkston – When the Haar Rolls In
James Yorkston – Midnight Feast
Website | More mp3s | Buy from Domino
This little bit of video genius/madness was made by on of our occasional commenters, the splendid Milo, so I thought it just had to be included. And I thought I was excited!
Unboxing of James Yorkston ‘When The Haar Rolls In’ Boxset from Milo McLaughlin on Vimeo.
Good grief! This and Samantha Crain will surely kill me! You really have my heartstrings in your fingertips when it comes to folk (ok, pop, shhhh) music goes, not to mention the keys to my pocketbook. Now just console me by telling me he NOT coming to Chicago anytime soon, I’ve got no time for another gig. xoxoxo
K.I.S.S.I.N.G.
Hey – Tart started out as a troll who hated me, so don’t you get all smart-arsed, Welsh boy. I think I have done excellent work there.
James Yorkston doesn’t tour a lot I’m afraid, Tart. He’s just announced a solo tour of the UK because he never makes any money at all if he has to pay the band to go along with him, so don’t go getting excited. Sorry to disappoint – blame society.
What do ya mean “started out”? Pffft! One more post about women as cows and I’ll let loose on ya again little boy! And I’m quite relieved that the delusional Folk singer isn’t coming to the States soon, give me a reason to come kick DC’s arse. He’s just all smug from being on your blogroll longer :p
Sorry, you’re quite right. Sorry, Tart. DC, she’s still a troll.
I can smell her from here.
LOL my tartness or my trollish drinking habit? Don’t worry DC, your blog is next.
Never been a fan of his stuff previously, but this sounds really good. It reminds me of a quieter the National though, especially “When the Haar…”. I think the sream of consciousness thing is very reminiscent of them.
It’s very like that actually, although with a bit more artfulness applied to the stream of consciousness thing. It’s not quite written as if it’s running from his brain unchecked, but not far off.
Very nicely put. There is definitely something hypnotic about the way he uses words on this one. Plus what you say about the warm evening darkness, I don’t know how he gets that vibe but I wonder if it’s linked to living in Anstruther – a lot of the Fence folk seem to have a great atmosphere to their records.
The box set, by the way is well worth the marginal extra expense.
And the extra effort? Milo, what on earth possessed you to make this little bit of mental genius:
http://www.vimeo.com/1666225
This is amazing. I am SO getting that boxset…
Pennies very much well spent. Milo’s video is so cool – in a bloody ridiculous sort of way.
I am a blood ridiculous sort of person – thanks for posting it!
that should be bloody – see told you!
The internet can be a cruel place when you hit ‘post’ before proof-reading.
blood right it can.
[...] do go over to Matthew’s blog and hear a fantastic bit of folk music by James Yorkston. Yes, Song, by Toad has done it again and [...]