One more album slouching towards greatness
George a Pletz | Central PA, USA | 07/16/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Vanderslice is one of the more exciting fixtures of the increasingly obvious indie scene. Striking a stance between guitars and synths, hi and lo-fi, and directness and obtuseness, Life and Death is engaging series of songs centering on the trials and tribulations of a washed up four-tracker. In my opinion, this is a step down from the completely sublime Time Travel is Lonely. The ratio of great songs to just ok songs
is defintely slanted towards the latter. But compared to other albums in the neo-singer/songwriter mold, it is a substantial work.My problem with the album is the trivial instrumental interludes, 4# & 5# and minor tracks like the John Darnielle co-written Nikki oh Nikki which sandbag much of the album's forward motion. Not awful just seem more like exercises than songs. These instances make this more of an album I have to be in the mood to hear than mandatory daily listening. This said songs like "Underneath The Leaves", "The Mansion", and "Amitriptyline" envelop the listener in their prog rock flecked Pavement/Elephant 6 informed indie pop and deliver both catchiness and content. (I just have to also mention "Me and My 424", a great statement of purpose on par with Eno's The True Wheel.) Anyone who can adapt Blake to music (Fiend in a Cloud) without looking pretentious or foolish deserves all the attention they can get.I would just suggest "Time Travel is Lonely" as a better starting point for the novice listener. The songs supporting its central concept are just stronger."
I *heart* JV
Sair K | United States | 08/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While admitedly, John Vanderslice's second album, "Time Travel is Lonely" is his best release, Life and Death of an American Fourtracker is by no means small potatoes. In fact, while it may be somewhat inferior to J.V.'s 2001 release, it is still far more superior to many, many other albums.Again, as with "Time Travel" J.V. gives us another concept album. When I first listened to it, something reminded me of Pink Floyd's "The Wall." I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Perhaps the mix of guitar and synth. I wasn't really sure, but it has a similar feel. When I finally learned the "story" behind the album (the true tale a young artist's - who once dated John's sister - descent into maddness) the similarity to "The Wall" became even stronger. Like other "concept albums" this release works more as a whole rather than as individual songs. Its hard to pick out that stand out "radio hit" (even if its a college radio hit) type single. The album works as a single unit, flowing together as a cohesive whole to tell the complicated story. I truly believe that John Vanderslice is probably one of the best song writers and performers out there. Seeing him live made my life. And self-absorbed? I think not. He has a reputation for being one of the nicest rockers out there. If you've ever seen him live you would know what an amazing down to earth guy he is. I'm anxiously awaiting his most recent release due this winter....."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1