Damien Jurado's reputation as a Pacific Northwest folk singer of great pathos and stark, plaintive musical accompaniment gets a surprising overhaul here from producer/instrumentalist Richard Swift, who takes the slight modifications he made for Jurado's previous album (the excellent Saint Bartlett) and blows them out into radical soundfield explorations. Jurado still offers plenty of spiritual and folk calm, as evidenced by the title track. Yet a Technicolor psychedelia drives the electric guitars, further fueling "Nothing Is the News" and the aching kiddie choir of "Life Away from the Garden." Though Jurado is most comfortable as a performer with a simple acoustic guitar and vocals, Swift's arrangements are intelligently thought-out and empathize with Jurado's strengths. "This Time Next Year" adds ominous vibrato guitar and a wood block that seems to be counting down time. "Reel to Reel" throws what sounds like spooky birdcalls into the reverb-heavy mix. No matter the flashy embellishments, Jurado's melodic gifts are still what drive the magic. "Working Titles," "So On, Nevada", and "Mountains Still Asleep" are simply beautiful in any context. - iTunes
