All it takes to get my adjectives flowing, though, is music which gets me in the gut. I like it when I can't find the words and the feelings that come with just being lost in whatever that moment might bring. My eyes will probably be closed, my head will be emptying of thoughts and there will be a stirring of emotion and a tangible sensation of striding forward, of being taken down new paths. It doesn't happen very often - how can it, for if it did my musical filters would surely overload. I like to think I can discriminate. The acid test is that gut feeling, a connection for which words are inadequate. So when I try find the adjectives I'm happy to come up short. It's a good sign.
Nat Lyon's album LCRV (Lower Connecticut River Valley) arrived first as a download and then in CD form with a note from the man himself. As the title suggests it draws inspiration from Lyon's local geography. It's a sparse collection of deeply personal songs that deal with universal themes. Like the very best singer songwriters, he's able to show us something about ourselves in the mirror of his own experience. Some of these experiences are harrowing and his depictions of relationships take no prisoners. This is an uncompromising set of songs that do not suit themselves to a passive listen. Think twice before soundtracking your dinner party to 'Where To Find Me' and I doubt your kids will want to sing along in the car to 'An Imagined Delta'. He's political, profane and unafraid to tread on toes. He'd rather you hated the album than fail to have an opinion. He's making this music for himself and you don't have to listen.
But there are gorgeous melodies and the album is beautfully produced. At three minutes 'The Gardener Waits For Winter' pauses for thought and the organ figure gives ways to a guitar, discordant piano and drums and it's like a parched stream has found it's waterfall. It opens up like a tribituary into a fast flowing river and then finishes in a cascade of random notes.
Forget this album if you're after an easy ride. But let Lyon take you into his discomfort zone and you'll be onwardly rewarded with shards of recognition about yourself. Musically, it'll remind you of plenty of influences but the honesty - the honesty is uniquely him - and after writing this I now understand it is that which got me in the gut.
http://natlyon.tumblr.com ,
