Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Album Review: Robbie Fulks -Gone Away Backward

Robbie Fulks
Gone Away Backward
***and1/2 out of *****

The past days dust-bowl/tornado pictured on Robbie Fulks new album Gone Away Backward is a dusty representation of the acoustic folk contained with in, glorious at a distance but devastating up close.

Fulks has a knack for writing a country ballad in the best way, with a smirk and a acknowledgment of the formula, but never a disrespect for the craft and history. A tune like "That's Where I'm From" embodies this with it's slow place, excellent vocals and shout out to Fulks upbringing.  Solitary drinking, double-wide's and poor decisions are all here but things never feel routine, depressing or dull.

Gone Away Backward opens with a fantastic sounding tune titled "I'll Trade You Money For Wine" while identifiably powerful story telling is the focal point of "Where I Fell". The sly wordplay, delicate picking and violin buzzing of "Imogene" shows off a playful side while "Long Ride" lets the banjo take over. "Rose Of The Summer" ends the album on a high note with a country waltz accompanied by well tracked, strong vocals. The production overall (done by Steve Albini) is crisp delicate and eerie when needed.

Fans of country, singer/songwriters and top musicianship should all check out this newest Fulks effort as it showcases all of his talents. While not containing a breakout hit that everyone could identify with Gone Away Backward is a complete work; solid and reliable like an old pair of boots.
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Bloodshot Records keeps putting out great Americana disks and Gone Away Backward is another gem. Robbie Fulks is an impressive writer and performer, this disk is a really good one and I went back and fourth between 3 and 1/2 and 4 stars. It is worth a spin and you can do that for a limited time over at Spin.

Support the artist here, buy the album here and peep a sample below:
Here is "I'll Trade You Money For Wine" Live:

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