Artist: Ethan Johns
Album: The Reckoning
Bitrate: 224kbps avg
Quality: EAC Secure Mode / LAME 3.98.4 / -V0 / 44.100Khz
Label: Three Crows Records
Genre: Rock
Size: 65.91 megs
PlayTime: 0h 39min 03sec total
Rip Date: 2014-08-21
Store Date: 2014-06-06
Track List:
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01. Go Slow 2:44
02. Dry Morning 4:49
03. The Fool 4:06
04. Among Sugar Pines 3:51
05. The Roses And The Dead 3:11
06. Talking Talking Blues 5:07
07. The Lo-Down Ballad Of James 3:36
Younger
08. Black Heart 4:39
09. You Changed 3:30
10. This Modern London 3:30
Release Notes:
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With Ethan JohnsÆ second album, the big time producer has swapped hats with that
of long-term collaborator and acoustic hero Ryan Adams, as he manages the
harmonies and AdamÆs takes the production helm.
Having been instrumental in shaping hit albums for Laura Marling, Kings of Leon,
The Vaccines and The Staves, Johns has traditionally been in the driving seat,
but stepped from behind the studio desk last year with critically acclaimed
debut album If Not Now Then When?. Now returning with a ten-track follow up,
Johns proves his artistic merit extends just as far as his lengthy directional
talents that have also included heritage artists such as Tom Jones and Paul
McCartney.
Throughout his career we have seen JohnsÆ take on contributory musician roles on
the records of Paolo Nutini, but with every solo attempt there is a rare insight
into the cemented and celebrated mind that has shaped some of musicÆs strongest
breakthrough acts. Where his producing roles have been diverse, JohnsÆ
songwriting sits well within the category of morose folk as he utilises strings,
acoustic guitars and a yearning that is ever present. Whilst it isnÆt the most
dynamic music, it is a folk record in its purest and simplest form as stories
are recounted over a bed of hymnal harmonies.
As the name suggests, there is a sense of coming full circle with The Reckoning,
as emotional retribution for past mistakes is prevalent theme throughout the
record. The LP is supposedly conceptual and follows a protagonist Thomas
Younger, who in the 1850s follows his older brother to America to explore
expansive and uncharted frontiers. Although fictional, parallels can be drawn
between the concept and JohnsÆ newly embarked expedition into his own
musicianship. As he explains, ôThe stories all spring from the song ôThe Lo Down
Ballad of James Youngerö. ItÆs about the choices we make as individuals in life,
and the effects that those things can have on us. ItÆs life on a knife edge.
ItÆs about consequences; itÆs about balancing the darkness and light in life
thatÆs present in all of us; and trying to make the right choices at the right
time.ö
Perhaps he best choice Johns has made with The Reckoning is the apparent
connection with Adams and the symbiotic relationship between their wholesome
music. Whereas Johns has helped Adams fine tune his honest and direct style,
Adams here repays the favour. ôThe Foolö is the perfect example of this, where
deprecating lyrics feel similar to that of Adams, but where he delivers them
with a more modern twist, JohnsÆ feels more traditional.
A good injection of the blues is given in ôTalking Talking Bluesö where sliding
guitars give a different treatment from the rest of the songs. JohnsÆ stilted
voice doesnÆt lend itself necessarily to looser instrumentation, but the guitars
bring everything together. Ending on a love song to the UK capital, ôThis Modern
Londonö is a tribute to the rat race feeling the big city evokes. Awash with
intricate finger picking and heartfelt sentiment, it is as sincere as can be.
Although not a million miles away from what weÆve heard of Johns before, with
AdamsÆ help this release has captured a moment in time between the two artists
that speaks volumes. Oh to have been a fly in the wall in that studio.