There are two recent albums currently occupying almost all of my available listening time.
One of these is the much anticipated follow up to the excellent '[Awayland]' by Villagers.
For this outing, Conor O'Brien has dispensed with the superb musicians that ably supported him on [Awayland]' and it's predecessor 'Becoming a Jackal', so one might expect to be hearing a stripped down acoustic collection of songs. Wrong!
While this album may not include all of the musical embellishments that were present on the previous albums, O'Brien does a pretty fine job of supporting himself on guitar, bass, piano, organ and drums. Yes, he plays and sings everything on this rather wonderful record and unfettered by the responsibility of directing other musicians, he has produced a collection of songs that are confessional and intensely personal. Take for example the words that open the album, "It took a little time to get where I wanted, it took a little time to get free. It took a little time to be honest. It took a little time to be me."
These lines set the tone for what follows as O'Brien addresses his demons and takes on the bigots who are critical of his homosexuality. It is a sublime, emotional record and is as musically beautiful as anything I have heard this year including 'Carrie & Lowell' by Sufjan Stevens an album that follows a similar confessional path.
I have little doubt that this album will feature prominently in my end of year "best of" collection.
Oh and I did mention that there were two albums currently occupying my time. To find out what the other is, you will need to check back in a few days.
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