Bright Flight

Mumble Sad bastard music

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.

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

I think this guy likes Tom Waits

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.

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 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.

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

You’re the only 10 I see. RIP DCB.

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

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

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.

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

So far this is boring as hell Still really boring.

Honestly seemed like some sort of parody, terrible 1

"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

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

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.

Well I couldn't find anything to dislike about this, it had good lyrics/ vocals, interesting music, veering from country to indie and back again. Definitely getting the Pavement vibes. So this was definitely going to be a 4 or a 5, but I'm going with 5.

One of the greatest lyricists and song writers of the past 50 years. I’m not sure how this album in particular was chosen over American water or even the natural bridge, which I think exemplifies Berman’s unique style of writing far better, but I’ll never complain about having to listen to a Silver Jews album. If you didn’t like this album I’d urge you to listen to purple mountains, one of the best and most powerful albums of the 21st century. If that clicks for you then maybe you’ll find a new appreciation for this one as well.

For some reason I looked at the rating before listening. I'm extremely surprised at the overall score for this. This is not the most musically challenging, or lyrically complex album on the list, but everything just works. The lyrics are bleak, and the music is wistfully leaning back decades, but something just drawing me back in to another listen.

Een soort indie variant van Tom Waits met Nick Cave, met een stukje country maar zonder de goedkope country teksten. Ook wat Bob Dylan eigenschappen, maar in dit geval is het wél nog om aan te horen, ondanks dat hij dus soms wat dissonant klinkt. Soms wat bluesy, waarbij de artiest daadwerkelijk zo blue was dat 'ie de hand aan zichzelf heeft geslagen. En hoe rustig het album over het algemeen ook is, er wordt af en toe echt wel een lekker stukje muziek gemaakt. Een heerlijke productie om naar te luisteren, waarbij alle instrumenten (het zijn er niet zoveel, maar dat is geen probleem) allemaal geweldig klinken. Helder maar toch warm, lekker ruimtelijk. 35 minuutjes is ook niet teveel. Het zal niet m'n minst controversiële 5 zijn, maar ik ga hem wel uitdelen.

I'd.previously heard of Berman but never listened to Silver Jews before. So this is a fantastic find for me; I really liked it. I think Berman's voice really works well with the music, but I actually thought the instrumental Transylvania Blues was the standout. Was in the mood for this today, so I'm going to give it a 5.

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

Chills. So haunting the Tennessee song is special.

Silver Jews - Bright Flight Very much my cup of tea, and a new album for me from a band I already enjoy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I like Silver Jews. American Water is one of my favourite albums of the last 30 years. David Berman's voice has a Johnny Cash quality. Of course he has nowhere near the power and resonance of Cash's baritone but the phrasing definitely puts me in mind of Cash, he has a natural matter of factness to his singing that feels really comfortable and makes me want to listen more and more. Though this album is not up to the quality of American Water it definitely has all the qualities of songwriting and storytelling that Berman is so adept at. 4 stars

Intriguing. I’d never heard of the band. Echoes of Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, maybe Johnny Cash, what’s not to like? Rated a 4 so I’ll come back to it.

I find it fascinating that David Berman and Steven Malkmus played together, because Berman's vocal stylings are *so much* like Malkmus'. I wonder who developed that up and down lilt first. Anyway, this is quite good. I'm not as enamored as many folks who really got into this, but as a sort of proto-emo, I can see that particular appeal. Unexpected bangers: Time Will Break the World, Tennessee, Death of an Heir of Sorrows.

Beautiful bluesy and broken. That’s the kind of album I come to associate with this list.

Someone forgot to take their lithium! This album should come with an 800# for the Samaritans on it. I ❤️ Silver Jews. Sad country and sad indie are two of my favorite styles and so this is like Reeses peanut butter cups for my ears: two great tastes that go great together! But they are also the GG Allin of low-fi country rock because you can tell it's going to end badly, in fact they're telling you directly, and it's hard to look away. Hadn't heard this one before but played it three times in a row, I loved it so much. This album, like the others I have heard, would make a great test of a psychotherapist's professional ethics: how many songs does it take before the shrink is compelled to intervene? Also, "I want to be like water if I can...because water doesn't give a damn" - what a great line! Their lyrics jazz me up to where it's distracting. Unexpected rhymes are good times! I can't wait to read what my poet sister thinks of them.

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

This is not your average indie band. Each and overy one of the ten tracks on this record were crafted to perfection, both melodically and lyrically, with each one telling a story which permeates into our emotions, whether it be sadness, joy, nostalgia etc. It's not just a record, it is a full-blooded composition piece, David Berman's magnum opus, so to say.

Slow education, starting off religious. His heavy voice with the brightness of the woman’s that come in is a beautiful pairing. The instrumentation seems very secondary to the lyrics on this one, somewhat sloppy in a good way, to match the lead vocal. So it’s about doubting religion??, and growing up and feeling like you’ve been lied to?? and it leads to the idea of death :( I love how childish and also deep cut the chorus is. Talking about being part of all the elements and knowing “i’m not the same” after being enlightened in whatever way. Room Games, such a romantic opening “i’m gonna love you for a hundred years, through suffering and celebration dear”. This is a gorgeous understated indie love song. oh my lord “we’re gonna die till it doesn’t hurt, then they can bury us side by side” it may seem like it’s been said before, but for me he’s just set such a high standard of lyrical ability! that’s stunningly heartbreaking. The guitar solo is precious, the drums are such so stable and the vocals are not perfect in a brilliant way. Time Will Break The World, greaaaat title. Another Ab Lincoln mention. I resonate with “the snow falls down so beautiful and stupid”. I think this must be about government or obviously just the state of the world in 2001, “And i have no idea what drives you mister, But i’ve killed you in my mind so many times before.” A big statement. I remember me, he’s a romantic. and a beautiful writer. “And they slow danced so the needle wouldn’t skip, Until the room was filled with light.” Followed by “The sunshine walking inside you, And the man you could see in me” has made me tear up. Oh god my heart just broke “when a runaway truck hit him where he stood”, “so deep in his coma, when he finally came to the girl he loved was long gone”. what a sad but great storyline! “I remember her, i remember then, i’m just remembering” Horseleg Swastikas, makes me nervous kinda title. I’ve been thinking he gives me a Johnny Cash vibe and this song has solidified that. This is indie country. “And i wanna be like water if i can, cause water doesn’t give a damn” Transylvania Blues, is a nice instrumental break but i miss his lyricism lol. Let’s Not and Say We Did It, also great title, drums are the starrrr of the show. Incredible rhythm, such a fast pace. This is a fun and silly song i like it. Piano is great too, sounding very honkytonk. “we can ride all day in a one course open sleigh, and that’s exactly what we did”, such a good ending. I heard a little chuckle in the mix too. Tennessee, “i’ll make a career, out of writing sad songs and getting paid by the tear”!!! i love his honesty. “Marry me and…come to tennessee, cause you’re the only ten i see” brilliant. Oh the woman’s responding now, she has a small section but a great one. “Because the dead do not improve”, this is true but in my head also harsh, i think that the memories of a person can become a better legacy than people thought when they were here. Hindsight sometimes signs such a big amount of love. Friday Night Fever, a song simply about the need to be independent. And it’s true and great. “Sometimes a man just needs a breather, She knows i love her and i need her, I’ve just got that friday night fever”. Women feel the same. Death, last song. He continues to be so sad and sweet. “We’d never been promised there will be a tomorrow, So let’s just call it the death of an heir of sorrows.” “I wish I had a new pair of boots, But mostly i wish, i wish i was with you”. This is a 5 and i was not expecting it at all. I had no idea what I was in for. Ive learnt that David Berman never really liked to do live shows and I’ve just learnt that David Berman is dead and a real part of me is sad. I had hope I could see him live. He’s new favourite songwriter of mine. And i hope that the other two members of the band are well.

Everything Berman ever did is amazing. I don’t know if it’s exactly a good time listening to it but it’s also all elevated when you learn the backstory of everything surrounding it. He and his work are mythological for a reason. But I am convinced it contains magical incantations and if I listen to it too much I will also kill myself.

Was not at all expecting Silver Jews to show up on this. What a pleasant surprise. I listened to this album all day and what a joy and a delight. Perfect!

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.

I've never even heard of Silver Jews but I really enjoyed this.

Never heard this one before. It's pretty good.

This is the kind of charming and awkward indie-rock sound that's very easy for me to enjoy. It takes a lot from bands like Modest Mouse and Slint (in fact, a couple of members from Slint are in Sliver Jews), but adds a very nice country flair to it all. The music here is very rundown, depressing, and sort of hopeless in a lot of ways - an effect that's amplified when reading up on the tragic life of David Berman, the lead vocalist here. His monotone, deadpan delivery here is what sells the record, it makes any sort of emotion that manages to come out feel that much more powerful. I'd say that attitude comes to a head on the closer 'Death of an Heir of Sorrows' with its heart-breaking depiction of loss, a theme dealt with on many songs on this album. I also really like the female vocalist here, who, I believe, was David's wife at the time - she really saves the song 'Tennessee', after David hits you with that cheesy as all hell refrain (still a cute song regardless). Not all the songs here deal with loss directly - 'Time Will Break The World' seems to be taking on much larger subject matter, with this epic and haunting guitar tone driving the whole thing. The not-so-happy story of 'I Remember Me' was engaging, and the instrumental 'Transylvania Blues' may just be the best thing here. The playing on this album in general is very solid. Still think this is a very difficult album to dissect after one listen, but I found its varied approach to the many sounds of the '90s alt-rock scene to be refreshing at the very least, and quite easy to digest.

Very nice; witty, melodic, and mellow. Good accompaniment for working. I listed to several of Berman's albums, then read his Wikipedia page and was dismayed to learn of his death. RIP.

Pretty nice music, low 4/5

Writing sad songs Getting paid by the tear Let's get married and go to Tennessee You're the only ten I see Dull and grey, like I like my music

Brilliant. I missed the Silver Jews but I did not miss Purple Mountains, and what a record that is. Awfully tragic situation. But what a way with words Burman has. The music is chill as fuck and hangs loosely around his songs entirely suitably, like a well worn, comfortable jacket. I hear pre-echos of riffs that turn up again 2 decades later in Room. Obviously Pavement-adjacent but feels extremely distinct from that. Lovely. I need to engage with more of it.

Fun and creative indie album that was varied enough to hold my interest

A pretty good album, expected a different sound, but what I got was a nice blend of alt-country and indie. I'm not a huge fan of indie music in general, but I am of some quality country. So this one leaned more towards the country side for me. The album is pretty light on the sonic side. There are clean and precise drum, piano and guitar sounds, with similar stuff happening on the vocal side. The vocals are well articulated and easy going. The country style and feel is well represented on this album. Everything is there, the nice easy melodies, clear vocals, down to earth struggles and real life lyrical themes. Reminded me of Johnny Cash on more than one occasion, which says a lot. I was between 3 and 4, will give it a 4 since it was a really fun and light listen.

3.75

Some of these songs are pretty good, but some of these songs are just so verbose. At various points throughout the runtime it feels like they’re trying to be confusing on purpose. In the hopes of being seen as sophisticated? It just comes off as annoying. I liked most of it, though. Solid enough. 4/5

I enjoyed this for the smart lyrics and the quality of the songwriting.

country but punk? I like it!

I actually quite liked this but the songs are so similar that a full album felt like too much

I know it's mumbly miserable stuff... but I really enjoyed this. I don't think it's "great" but I'm more likely to listen to this again than many of the other things on this list.

pretty good stuff, excited to check out their other albums

I guess it was a good thing that I procrastinated on this one a bit, especially when I'm feeling pretty down. It scratches that specific depressive itch really well, especially in it's first half where most of the songs are just beautifully made and written (if sad as they come). The later half that goes more country with it I'm less interested in but it's still enjoyable. I think it will grow on me

sad love songs by a guy who could barely sing. its compelling and country and funny and wry. its a good love album when youve got the friday fever.

Time Will Break The World is more spoken word than music, which is always a pet peeve. Death of an Heir of Sorrows is a really poignant song. This is probably worth a second effort.

Kom skemmtilega á óvart.

Þetta er það sem ég elska í plötuleiknum, uppgötva eitthvað nýtt. Aldrei hlustað á Silver Jews, samt voru Malkmus og Bob úr Pavement upphaflega í henni. Frábært indírokk, rúllar mjög þæglega. Mjög góð vinnutónlist.

Odd and interesting

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