Bright Flight

Mumble Sad bastard music

When God was young, He made the wind and the sun Since then, it's been a slow education And you got that one idea again The one about dying. Oh oh oh I'm lightning Oh oh oh I'm rain Oh oh oh it's frightening I'm not the same, I'm not the same, I'm not the same There's a screen door banging in the wind Remember you wanted to be like George Washington back then Everybody's going down on themselves No "pardon me"'s or "fare thee well"'s in the end

These are songs I have listened to over and over already. I wasn't sure about David Berman's voice at first, but it is the right voice for these songs. Each time I listen there is another lovely discovery. "The snow falls down so beautiful and stupid" played as I drove through the snow today, and it was perfect. There is a constant, real ache in this music and yet it feels lovely in a way.

I think this guy likes Tom Waits

Well. The music is utterly forgettable indie rock with all the trimmings. Lyrically, there are a couple of zingy moments. But my goodness, that's a voice one could get bored of very, very quickly. So wearing and wearisome, in fact, that these hangdog vocals overshadow everything else. In an already muted soundscape, such a lugubrious performance merely serves to poison the well. Good name for a band, though.

Dull and lifeless, almost as if written to capture the feeling of a talentless hack who did unspeakable things to record executives to get an album produced.

I loved this album - it might be over the top but this is the first time I was really taken aback at the quality of the album - it’s not perfect but it’s a 5* from me - a new find forever!

David Berman is my favorite songwriter. I've heard this album countless times and love it. His lyrics are incredible, when listening to them, I turn into that annoying guy who needs to point out how great nearly every line is on its own. 5 out of 5. R.I.P. D.C.B. Standout Tracks: Slow Education, Room Games and Diamond Rain, Time Will Break the World, I Remember Me, Horseleg Swastikas, Transylvania Blues, Let's Not and Say We Did, Tennessee, Friday Night Fever, Death of an Heir of Sorrows

It's weird, it's quirky, it's not great, but there is something about it that keeps me listening, and I'm seeking out their other work to listen to, so I guess I like it? really not sure how to feel about this.

So far this is boring as hell Still really boring.

Honestly seemed like some sort of parody, terrible 1

“I asked the painter why the roads are colored black…He said, ‘Steve, it’s because people leave and no highway will bring them back.’” - “Random Rules” from Silver Jews’ 1998 record, American Water I know I probably shouldn’t start a review with a lyric from an album I’m not actually reviewing, but it’s the Silver Jews lyric that I just can’t shake. It haunts me…an epitaph that was written 20 years before it would prove to be useful…the fate of David Berman, it breaks my heart to this day. So much so that the only unopened and unplayed vinyl record in my collection is his Purple Mountains record: I had pre-ordered it before release, received it and set it aside to listen to when worked slowed down a bit and I had more free time. Of course, I had listened to the album on my streaming platform of choice when it was released, but never got the time to sit down and experience it on vinyl. The next thing I knew, the news broke that he had passed. Knowing what I knew, and the general tone of that record, I couldn’t bring myself to sit down and listen to it. Still can’t. The music on Purple Mountains lays bear his unhappiness in life and by the time it came out, it seems it was too late for much to be done about it. It breaks my fucking heart. Bright Flight, released nearly two decades earlier, is not as bleak as Purple Mountains turned out to be, but it is less upbeat than its predecessor, American Water. As usual, Berman’s uniquely poetic and evocative lyrics are on full display here. Musically, he leans in to a minimal country-tinged indie rock sound, inspired by his recent move to Nashville. It’s a great record that, frankly, I don’t listen to as much as I should. Had I assembled this list, American Water would have been my choice for a Silver Jews record to include. There is something special about that record for me and I think if I could recommend only one Silver Jews record to people, American Water would pique a new listener’s interest the most. Regardless of which Silver Jews record we’re talking about, there is one truth that can’t be understated: David Berman had a wholly unique way with words and was a one-of-a-kind talent. He is missed. Rest in peace, DCB.

You’re the only 10 I see. RIP DCB.

"And I wanna be like water when I can, because water doesn't give a damn. Water doesn't give a damn." I've read about David Berman, especially after his death and I've heard some of the songs he's written and performed on but I've never had heard any of his albums as a whole until this and, quite frankly, I really liked what I heard. Almost cosmic country in its orbit but with a emphasis on despair and death, it's ironic that the album has the name "bright" as its title. But enough about that, this is a pretty stellar entry for me in regards to Berman's work. I can see what the fuss is about. "Punk rock died when the first kid said, Punk's not dead Punk's not dead."

Fans of Pavement will immediately feel at home with Silver Jews. Same languid, country tinged lo-fi indie. I'd not heard this album before, but I'll be returning to it. Mainly because I'm a sucker for the Pavement sound rather than this album being anything particularly unique

Brilliant. Whisky sodden, laid back, great songs sounding like the band has set up in your living room.

Smooth, clever, well-balanced. Love the vocals and acoustic guitars.

I listened to the first half last night when on a drunken stumble to the local shop to pick up more booze. I listened to the full album this morning when on a hunger stumble to pick up painkillers and caffeine. Both times, this album just spoke to me. The melancholy, the directionless protagonists, the simple, bleak instrumentation. I noticed that the can of beer that I had left half empty next to the sofa I’m crashing on had tipped over sometime during the night. It was right next to a portable heater, and if it had been more full, it would have spilled and probably short circuited something. These sorts of small coincidences are what makes up the vast majority of everyday life and, judging by the lyrics on Bright Flight, it seems as if these are the sorts of stories that David Berman was able to tell, and tell with such mastery. I was kinda shocked at the bleakness of the ending especially

I fucking loved this album. Please listen to it if you havent yet. Silver Jews is great, listened to like half their discog after this album. 100% going on the main playlist. bitches come over and cream when i put this on. the end

Poetic and wistful but not brooding. Somewhere twixt indie rock and country. It's nice.

Some shambly 90s de-tuned country music here. When I read this band had connections to Pavement I wasn’t surprised as the first thing that came to mind as the album started was “country Pavement”. The first time through I wasn’t sure about the vocal delivery… but found the songs are very good musically. Love me some steel guitars! Then on a second pass I started to hear more of the lyrics and I really started to like this. The lyrics are fantastic! While there are times when I would like to hear a polished vocal on these songs, I have to give this props for the great music and lyrics. There’s room for some lo-fi Country in my library… Favorite songs: Room Games and Diamond Rain, I Remember Me, Horseleg Swastikas, Transylvania Blues, Let’s Not and Say We Did, Tennessee

Pretty dull early 2000s lo fi American indie.

Since this (probably) going to be the only Silver Jews album on the list I will have to give it a five star rating. But only as an ode to Lookout Mountain Lookout Sea, American Water, Tanglewood Numbers and The Natural Bridge. Any of those albums would have been a better selection for the list and would have been legit 5 starers. As for bright flight I enjoy it, I think it reflects the time and place Berman was in, it was a good collection of songs and a couple of stand outs.

Very good album. Highly recommend. Curious vocalists, very good and well made, his voice is never once annoying. 8.75/10.

Perhaps it is because I'm sick, it's storming, and I just feel generally gloomy, but this album really hit for me. It's like if Pavement was put through the Americana machine and given a few extra twangs for good measure, but some of the lyrics cut so deep and are so devastatingly dripping with loneliness that I felt like I was on the verge of tears whilst listening. His voice took a bit of getting used to, not being quite as smooth as other acts in the genre, but again, that only draws more Pavement comparisons. It's actually kind of ironic, as this is one of the few albums where Stephen Malkmus didn't partake, but the slacker sound permeates still. It's intricately produced to feel like being alone at a bar, but still be the epitome of a big hug when needed most, and I overall just really vibe with this sort of stuff. I can't quite cross over to that pop country sound, no matter the era, but this wallowing bottomless well of an album is exactly what the doctor ordered, and I'm living within it.

NOW WE'RE TALKIN', ABSOLUTE BEAST OF A RECORD HERE

Another old favorite.I love that band so much! The voice, lyrics, and music make me feel right at home and like I’m just where I belong. And I hope the pain is gone for David now

Had never heard of them. Loved this and ended up playing over and over, once I got past the initial surprise of the lead vocal.

Great Album. RIP David Berman

Surprised there are multiple Silver Jews albums on here, not sure if that’s needed but I love them so not mad. This is either my second or third favorite of theirs with American Water easily being the best. This is still such a solid album. Silver Jews is probably my favorite fall time band. Rating: 4.7

Awesome!

new fan. dudes awesome. love the prominent lyrics.

David Berman may not have had a traditionally beautiful voice, but his flat delivery and thoughtful/melancholic lyrics make for instantly memorable listening. I was late to the Silver Jews and only heard about them in the wake of Berman’s untimely death in 2019 but am struck by their brand of indie country set against Berman’s sardonic, sarcastic, and earnest delivery. The songs have a lazy meandering flow despite their short length but have an austere quality that gives them a sense of urgency and potency.

Phenomenal early 2000s melancholic Indie stuff

Yes this was good I liked this one

This album has been awesome. Really really enjoyed it. Kurt Vile vibes in some ways, nice low key country. Will try to keep this in the rotation, for sure!

I wasn't sure at first but Berman sticks the landing with a country inspired indie rock record full of wit and panache. Vivid imagery and story telling, the highlight is Tennessee - you roll your eyes at the 'Ten I See' gag before being dragged in and singing along. Audacious.

I’m a big silver jews fan, but I have to admit I was surprised (though not upset) to see this on the list. I think I’d only listened to it once before. It’s probably their 3rd or 4th best album, so does that mean the others will be here as well? This is no American Water, but it’s a great album. Berman was one of the greatest lyricists of all time and his low voice complements the sleepy country vibe perfectly. This album gets better as it goes. I Remember Me, Tennessee, Friday Night Fever, and Death of an Heir of Sorrows are fantastic.

A conundrum. While this is a good release, with a few great songs (Tennessee, I Remember Me), I prefer American Water, the Silver Jews first release. I didn't expect there to be two releases from Silver Jews on this list. Notwithstanding my reservation, this is a good listen from an underappreciated group,

While solidly downtempo from my usual taste, this LP contains an unexpected wealth of lyrical and instrumental power not belied by the first few tracks. The first half excels at less is more - powerfully raw lyrics set against minimal but appropriate melodic tracks can never go wrong. The second wows with an almost orchestral swell in the melodic and rhythmic sections, bringing the album to an emotional breaking point before drifting away into the ether.

Never heard of Silver Jews. This Was an interesting album. Twangy, but not country. It was a little tough to warm up to, but it eventually won me over to liking it with its simplicity, I guess. Not an everyday listen, but I am sure it is something that will kind of haunt me into waiting to hear it again.

Have never really listened to the post-Natural Bridge era of Silver Jews, as there are only so many hours available in one lifetime. Part of a subgenre I skillfully christen "depressed baritone country-adjacent indie warbling", also inhabited by other talented and prodigious practitioners such as Will Oldham and Bill Callahan. When they're on their game, they can be transcendent; when they're not, it's never bad but also not very memorable. This falls into the latter camp. If you like this at all, please check out Purple Mountains, sadly David Berman's ultimate masterpiece, an easy 5*. This one - a generous 3

Yeah I don't know man, do we really need this one? I think my cynicism is growing now that we are some 850 albums into the list, but each little rock album that we get that doesn't make a serious splash hurts me more and more. What does this add to the tapestry of music, of the history of all music made? Is that contribution one that, were I to have died yesterday having not heard this, my experience of music would have been incomplete? In this case, definitely not. Believe me, we have received a lot of albums that do fall into that box. This isn't one of them. It's fine. Not bad, not particularly good either. Vocals are a little strange, that's the only think remarkable here. But I'd boot it for something more deserving. Really, I'm starting to think that 1001 is just too big of a barrel to fill. Favorite tracks: I Remember Me, Transylvania Blues. Album art: It's, uh, a folder on a couch? I do like the font, and the band name "Silver Jews" is interesting, especially with a track called "Horseleg Swastikas." 2.5/5

Bit meh

i am really finding this very uninspired the instrument work is quite lacking in substance and feels predictable the lyrical work and melody alike are both subdued and feel deliberately unsuccessful in an artful way that hasnt quite come across almost like a blank canvas entitled blank canvas or more like a multicoloured canvas entitled multicoloured canvas i remember me was somewhat likeable and the horseleg swastikas had a bit more interest than the first three tracks but nothing special just starting transylvania blues and i am liking the drums and interesting guitar parts youre the only ten i see oh my that didnt give me much confidence im happy putting one star for this because i really didnt get on with it at all

nope

First time listening to this group. I enjoy melancholy music so I like this. I know he doesn't have the greatest voice but he's expressing his feelings through words and music. It takes a lot of balls to put yourself out there like that, especially when you know people are just going to gripe about it. Glad this was on the list.

Drawling Indy is great.

cool

Excelente de principio a fin.

Nice album

awesome

Sehr gut

Lo amo.

4/5. At first, I thought this was going to be a pretentious album and although there is that energy there, the lyrics and vocals imply intense sadness. There is a twinge of hope but more realistic than optimistic. This album is full of emotion and the songs are well written. I would not want to listen to this on a bad night, challenges those thoughts. It's simple melodies and although not great singing, I don't really think that's the point. I enjoyed the listening experience. Best Song: I Remember Me, Tennessee, Slow Education

Quite the surprise. I’m not a big fan of county, but I love alternative, so this really hit a sweet spot for me. I noticed that many reviewers called it boring, and I just don’t get it. Can you really make a comment like that if you’ve been on a string of electronica I wonder?

First time hearing the band, having moved from indie in the mid 90’s. The 1st 30 seconds I thought oh no, but by the end of the track hooked. Poetic, low-fi, country tinged.

Rather liked it. Made me poke around in their discography, so there's that. Is it something I needed or that I feel is an important bit in music's (recent) history? No. A strong 4.

"Bright Flight" is the fourth album by American indie rock band Silver Jews. Silver Jews are led by vocalist and guitarist David Berman. Other bandmembers included Berman's wife Cassie Berman (vocals, bass), William Tyler (guitar, vocals), Mike Fellows (bass), Tim Barnes (drums, percussion), Paul Niedhaus (pedal steel guitar) and Tony Crow (piano, organ, synthesizers, vocals). The album was recorded in Nashville as the Bermans had just moved there from Kentucky. Piano keys and David Berman's low voice opens "Slow Education." Berman's voice is half-singing and half-talking. The pedal steel guitar in this song and many of the songs on the album give an alt-country vibe. Nice backing vocals by Cassie. I think he's talking about the imperfection of human nature. Things get darker with the guitar and Berman's voice and lyrics in "Time Will Break the World." This feels like Southern gothic. Berman has apocalyptic visions including heinous acts by his Father. "I Remember Me" starts out sparse with a strumming guitar and soft beat. A young love is born, lost during a coma and then remembered. The music follows the lyrics and picks up when he remembers. "Tennessee" is an autobiographical song as David gets his girl, Cassie, leaves Kentucky and moves to Nashville. Light acoustic guitar and Cassie contributes as co-lead vocalists with David. The album ends on a down note with "Death of an Heir of Sorrows." Softer music. David's deadpan voice tells the story of the death of his friend and writer Robert Bingham. The overriding musical style on the album was alt-country with the steel pedal and acoustic guitars; no surprise given the Bermans had just moved to Nashville. The music combined with lyrics and vocals was also very Southern gothic. Berman's lyrics are poetic with images of Americana and also very personal hinting at drug addiction and depression. Berman would attempt suicide a few years after this album. Every Silver Jews' album is worth a listen and this is a very good one.

Country, folksy, relaxing. Recommended them to dad

The second half of this album is much more interesting than the first half. Much better than I expected

first half pretty comfy, second half not quite as potent

Love the lo-fi!

I remember when David Berman passed away, I had never heard of Silver Jews. I honestly didn't take any time to listen to his music, but this album may have changed that. It's jangly, has some alt-country leanings, but if, say, Leonard Cohen did alt-country. There's a profound sadness through this that I can't help but connect to. It drags a bit (specifically, the singing gets a little tiring), and I'd argue "Tennessee" is way too saccharine, but I'd still call it a 3.5. Favorite tracks: "Room Games and Diamond Rain", "Friday Night Fever"

Another band that I've always meant to get more into. This was really good. Just country enough to give that vibe but without treading into the insufferable aspects for me. His lyrics are really solid as well.

Enjoyable

Weird I liked it 4 ⭐️

Probably one of the laziest / quirkiest sounding singers I have heard in a while. He's got a certain drawl and cadence that makes it seem as if he's at least 6 beers deep through the whole album. For some reason I can't help but picture him as Brett Gelman in my mind... This was some low-key enjoyable indie rock that doesn't seem to take itself too seriously. I went back for another listen this morning -- similar impression that the voice is campy and certainly not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Otherwise, the arrangements are nice and the lyrics, while often tongue in cheek, were enjoyable. I'd say for me this is a low 4 that probably won't get a ton of replay, but I did enjoy it.

I don't know if I was supposed to like this or not but I do. I really like the cadence of the music n the tune n the instruments.

Feels a lot like pavement. As with other slacker rock, I’m a big fan of the general vibe, but I really could do without the style of signing on this. Right between a 3 and a 4

interesting country album, had a stripped down Johnny Cash sound. Overall enjoyed it.

Après avoir été longtemps considéré comme un simple projet annexe de Stephen Malkmus (ancien leader de Pavement), le 4eme album de Silver Jews sort en 2001. Dorénavant sans Stephen Malkmus, l'album "Bright Flight" de Silver Jews est moins folk, mais plus country grâce à une pédale steel qui enrobe la plupart des titres de l’album. Mais ici, il s'agit d'une country lo-fi et nonchalante, dans la plus pure tradition du rock underground américain de ces dernières années. Dirigé par David Berman, l'album est une collection de chansons spirituelles, poignantes et rassurantes et ceci grâce à sa voix étincelante et ses paroles intelligentes, allant des jeux de mots stupides à l'imagerie évocatrice. Bien qu'il ne soit pas aussi essentiel que "Starlite Walker" ou "American Water", ce 4eme album reste un album à découvrir. Un petit 3.5 soit un 4/5 pour un bon album de rock indépendant.

A near perfect balance of sincerity and tongue-in-cheek cleverness on this smelting pot of indie and Americana.

Nice album and fairly different from the 1001's standard fare. I liked that the music felt slow and deliberate. The singer strayed close to talk-singing but I think it worked in the context of the music, and I liked their mellow, bassy tone. It suited the music well. I liked Slow Education the best. I'd listen to this album again.

On first listen it just sounded like Pavement to me, then reading the bio I realised the influence. Second listen it did start to grow on me and faves would be Slow Education and I Remember Me. Certinaly worth another spin.

I only dipped my toes into the Silver Jews discography after enjoying the Purple Mountains project when that came along in 2019 - getting used to his vocal delivery takes an adjustment, so I imagine a lot of casual listeners hate this, but it definitely rewards the effort! I can see that more little details unlock with each listen so it's not hard to imagine this might rise to a 5 with more familiarity. Fave tracks - "Horseleg Swastikas" and "Tennessee" grabbed me hardest.

Great album, great band.

I very rarely listen to alt-country music. Country music and its sub-genres are really a bit of a gray area for me. The most familiar I’ve ever gotten with the genre is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Which I actually love. Problem is I often compare everything in a similar vain that I hear to that album. Because it’s all I can compare things to. Silver Jews are a group I’ve heard mentions of occasionally. It’s very unfortunate their lead singer died. Especially after hearing this, since it’s clear he had something going here with his band mates. And it would have been interesting to see how he moved further with his other band, Purple Mountains. The thing that immediately struck me about the music is Berman’s lyricism. It gets spoken about so often for a reason. The strange, sometimes quirky, and melancholic word choice is something that used to be a staple of 60s and 70s artists like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan. But I feel it is rarely found now. Lines like “Her doorbell plays a bar of Stephen Foster” or “We’re gonna live in Nashville and I’ll make a career out of writing sad songs and getting paid by the tear” do take a certain level of genius to write. Those are both apart of the same verse on Tennessee. For such a lo-fi love song, saying “Come to Tennessee, 'cause you’re the only ten I see” is beautifully lighthearted. The common criticism I saw floating around was that this is too boring and lifeless. Hilariously, I almost don’t disagree with that sentiment. I understand where people get it from. Berman’s delivery is monotone and immobile. Beyond face value, there isn’t much to get from his vocals. And the same could also be said about the music itself. It’s not the most sad or depressing thing I’ve ever heard. There are glimpses of sadness here and there. But it lies in this weird realm of being cheery and wry at the same time. It’s nothing too complex. But I don’t think this genre demands something like that. As much as I don’t want to continue making Wilco comparisons, this really does remind me of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. It’s bright on the surface, but potentially hiding something deeper that you only see bits and pieces of. If you are having a bad day, and just want to lay in bed, this album isn’t going to make your mood any worse. But it also surely isn’t going to motivate you to get out of bed and do anything that day. Rating: 7/10

A solid listen. An early indie rock album, with a splash of sad southern twang here and there

Unexpectedly great. I've been hearing about Dave Berman for years, and now it's clicking. Got this Lou Reed meets Townes Van Zandt/country-Stones vibe to it. It also makes me wish J. Mascis would make a country record (maybe he has idk). I can't stand his voice in Dinosaur Jr, but it's basically the same voice here and it just works. Not sure if I'm a new fan, but I'll probably come back to this at least once.

I had not heard of the Silver Jews before hearing this album. I have to say that the album was a pleasant suprise, I actually thought it it was going to be a country album when I heard the first song. Will be giving this a second listen

Definitely a different approach than many use to creating songs.

Hmmm? Surprised this is on here. I think I prefer the 98 album more. Some good moments, but his voice is kinda hard to get into

Not my cup of tea but got into it as it went on. I think they are really good at this style of sound

Silver Jews...great band. Bigger into their early stuff than this later era, but still an solid album. 4/5

I love this sort of lofi/indie sound. Always sounds like a bunch of friends having a good time making music. I’d never heard of these before and immediately thought ‘this has Terror Twilight Pavement vibes’ after the first few songs, so it wasnt a surprise to find Stephen Malkmus was a member of these. On a whole it reminds me of a cross between Pavement and Wilco, but never reaches the heights of either. It’s still good though, and I’m keen to dig a bit further with them (apparently the record before this is ace). I think this is a strong 3.5, but I’ll round it to 4 as I reckon I’ll be back and can see it being a grower

Thoroughly miserable but very enjoyable. Horseleg Swastikas stood out the most, I liked the water metaphor and some great lyrics. Transylvania Blues, and Room Games and Diamond Rain were also pretty great. Seemingly low production values positively contribute to the album. Effective use of loudness and quietness.

Fun indie

Dat Silver Jews is opgericht door twee Pavement leden verbaast me enerzijds (want ik wist het niet). Na de eerste 45 seconden van Bright Flight verbaast het me al niks meer, ook al spelen Malkmus en Nastanovich niet eens mee op dit album. Dat zanger David Berman zelfmoord heeft gepleegd verbaast me enerzijds (want ik wist het niet). Na het luisteren van enkele lyrics verbaast het me al niks meer. "Bright Flight poetically captures a drunken night spent contemplating suicide while staring at the Nashville skyline." schreef the Guardian. Als zangers dit soort lyrics maken, dan gaat het een keer echt mis. Helaas. Gelukkig is dit wel een toffe vondst. Een beetje Pavement-light. Dat heerlijke slacker-geluid, maar iets minder spannend en uniek als de band met Malkmus in the lead. Ga hier wel meer van checken. 8/10 Highlights Room Games and Diamond Rain

David Berman is an under rated songwriter.

Kind of a happy sad alt country vibe.

I dig this. It’s not 100% but I like the slacker rock country vibe.

I was a big fan of American Water; but otherwise, I hadn't really followed the Silver Jews very closely. I'd listened to Bright Flight a few times over the years. But it's been a while. So I got to listen today with fresh ears. I like this a lot. It doesn't seem as deeply cutting as American Water. But David Berman remains equally hilarious and depressing, often at the same time. There was nobody quite like him. I'm gonna spin Bright Flight again.

“All my favorite singers couldn’t sing” lol. For real tho this is good but I feel like once I get used to the guys voice more I’ll think it’s great, if I decide to keep listening

I like American Water slightly more but still some outstanding songwriting here. Love the Berman, RIP

Bastante chulos. Indie rock suave, tranquilo. Un poco a Lemonheads, pero más tristones.

Liked it more than I expected. Somewhere in between Crash Test Dummies and Cake

Punk rock died when the first kid said "Punk's not dead, punk's not dead" You know Louisville is death, we've got to up and move Because the dead do not improve. Rip David Berman This was great - I've been meaning to listen to Silver Jews for ages. A beautiful, if weary, y'allternative album. Good storytelling, with a mix of dark poetics, honky tonk blues and clever punchlines, just the way I like my country. The backing band is Lambchop - who I also have been meaning to check out based on recs from friends.

The rythm is not as vivace as I'd like.

Silver Jews is another one of those bands that I never got into because the name. I just didn't know what it meant. I remember listening to a few songs here and there in the early 2000s, but I was really blown away by this record. Its that perfect mix of apathetic deadpan indie, but winking at country music the entire time. The lyrics are clever, the music is engaging. And I really like the monotone singing. It feels like its *trying* to be country but fully aware that it isn't. Its true outsider music. If I was to put Silver Jews into a headline it would say: "New York Jew Goes to Nashville Does Drugs." I super enjoyed this record.