Login for FavoritesStuart A. Staples - Leaving Songs
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Album Details
- Artist: Stuart A. Staples
- Album: Leaving Songs
- Label: Beggars
- Year of Release: 2006
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: patchen on 2006-09-18
Media
RecommendThis is the second solo effort by the Tindersticks' frontman, and features some of his strongest writing in or out of the band. With the help here and there of some notable voices--Maria McKee and Lhasa De Sela--the record manages to be both melancholy and whimsical, as befits the subject matter. All the songs deal with saying goodbye, or summing up relationships. Such moments are obviously sad, yet after a bit every loss is mellowed by some perspective or gratitude. While "Goodbye to Old Friends" and "Dance With an Old Man" recognize the loss, "This Road is Long" and "The Path" point to new hope, new friendships to be found. Staples walks the line where lesser writers would fall into all sorts of melodramatic traps, but all the way through remains straight and true to real emotional insights.
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on 2006-10-04 LinnTate Said:
Good review, Mike. I think you captured the album well, especially your final observation, which I think is this albums great strength.
The "Try if you like:" recommendation ought to include Leonard Cohen. He's not the songwriter Cohen is, but there are real similarities in terms of themes, style, and production.
Rating: 8/10
