Album Review
Gabriel Wilson has said this was the most difficult album he had ever made. That statement alone gives you an idea of the emotion and intimacy on this disc. If you're not familiar with him, Wilson is the frontman of The Listening, who released one of my favorite albums of the previous year. Lovely Is Death is his first step out on his own. He recorded it in the music room of his duplex in Astoria, Oregon, and fans of his earlier work will recognize much of what they hear.
The romantic groove of “G-Thing,” the soft acoustic touches of the title track, and the nostalgia of “Burning Like Cigarettes” are my favorites among these eight songs. I also like how naturally the album flows from one song to the next. It feels personal without forcing the listener to feel any particular way.
Ultimately, this is a great disc. I will say that it feels as if something is missing, though maybe that's just me. Either way, I recommend checking it out. This is heartfelt, real music, made as an expression from within rather than an attempt to make money. Too much of what plays on the radio seems to have other intentions. Turn it off and pick up this little gem.
