Search - Damien Jurado :: Caught in the Trees

Jurado breaks some more chairs...

Sean T. Murphy | Philadelphia, PA USA | 09/11/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After several laid back alt-country/indie releases from Damien Jurado, fans of Jurado's high-watermark album "I Break Chairs" will find much to love with his latest album "Caught in the Trees". While his new album doesn't rock quite as much as I Break Chairs did, it still shares much of the same spirit that was on display on that album. Damien's voice is as pleasant as usual, steel pedal guitar, backing cello's, and even some beautiful backing female vocals courtesy of Jenna Conrad make for an album full of warmth that sounds just perfect as we creep into the Fall season.



There are highlights all over the album, but if you want a quick taste I would listen to "Gillian was a horse", "Trials", or "Predictive Living". If you're new to Damien Jurado, I think fans of Magnolia Electric Company, Hayden, Johnny Cash, and even Elliott Smith could find a new artist to add to your arsenal. Take a chance, I think you'll enjoy what you hear.



Thanks, and happy listening. And by the way, if you don't own "I Break Chairs" add it to your cart immediately."

Never disappointing

Anna Clymer | London | 10/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"His cds are brilliant. see him live - it's inspiring and heart breaking all at once. one of my favourite artists to date - his lyrics and the honesty of his voice combine to create beautiful songs that make you think. Definitely worth picking up and having a listen."

Solid, pleasant, alt-folk indie music

Storylover | Philadelphia, PA USA | 10/09/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Damien Jurado is an immensely talented musician and songwriter. He is capable of deeply introspective lyrics that slowly unfold and grant the listener a peek into his heart. His talents on the guitar are manifold. He also knows his way around a good cover--his version of Pink Moon (available on his website) is wonderful. I was very excited for Caught in the Trees, and overall, I think it delivered what I expected--solid, well written folkie inflected pop tunes delivered in an easy baritone. So why only three stars instead of 4? Well, mostly because I can't give a 3.5 star review, which is what I would like to do. This is better than average music of this genre, but there is nothing new or revelatory here. The production is a little murky (perhaps by design), although the musicianship is high. Jurado's vocals seem a little more strained than in previous releases, but never unpleasantly so. Backing strings are a nice touch, but do not manage to elevate the music to another plane. The female vocalist is also a lovely counterpoint, and appreciated when she is there.



Ultimately, this is a good disc, but I was hoping for a big step forward. I suppose that not every disc can be a breakthrough album, and I don't want anyone to think that this is a negative review--I am definitely endorsing the disc, but I want to encourage DJ to continue pushing the songcraft, to dig a little deeper.



So who will like this? Fans of Matt Pond PA, fans of Dennison Whitmer will both probably be familiar with him, and will find much to enjoy. Fans of Nick Drake who have been told about the comparison will likely be initially disappointed (being compared to Nick Drake is a hard label to live up to!) but on repeat listen will likely enjoy this more and more.



Like other reviewers, I would point listeners to I Break Chairs as a great place to start, and then work your way to this enjoyable, well constructed disc of simple, solid, good songs that get better the more you hear them."