Bright Flight

Mumble Sad bastard music

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

“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.

"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."

You’re the only 10 I see. RIP DCB.

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

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

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

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.

Pretty dull early 2000s lo fi American indie.

Awesome!

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

Yes this was good I liked this one

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.

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

Great Album. RIP David Berman

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

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

Bit meh

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

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

Sehr gut

Nice album

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

Lo amo.

Excelente de principio a fin.

awesome

Really liked this one. I would have been obsessed with this band if I had discovered them in like 2013

200 albums into the project and I'm still enjoying it. Didn't know this band; turns out that Stephen Malkmus was part of it, though not on this record. It's a very nice album with strong melodies and interesting lyrics.

Much comes down to whether you like Berman’s relaxed-yet-tortured vocal style or not, and (his also relaxed-yet-tortured) imagistic lyrics. I’m good on both and thus consider this a quirky classic and minor masterpiece. Many good songs, with highlights throughout. “Slow Education,”” Time Will Break the World,” “Horseleg Swastikas, “Tennessee”

I’d somehow never heard of David Berman until he died in 2019, but everything I’ve heard of him since I’ve really liked. It’s like if Pavement was sadder and slightly twangier.

deja vu

instantly thought - “oh it’s like country Pavement!”… yeah turns out stephen malkmus was literally in the band for a bit. it’s certainly not amazing but i love sad boring indie. nvm the 2nd half is way less sad and boring. this is a lovely album.

I was very surprised, but I ended up really loving the indie/country/whatever sound. Also, Apple Music started playing Pavement immediately following this, so that algorithm is pretty dead on.

Had expected American Water instead of this album, but the choice for Bright Flight is not bad either. After all, American Water sometimes sounds half Pavement / half Silver Jews.. and while a Pa/SJ combination is of course a great mix, it is certainly nice to hear Silver Jews "only" and to realize again how good this band was in late 90s - early 00s. I rate American Water as a clear 5* album. This album contains several 5* songs (in particular Tennessee) but for mr it is a very solid 4 overall (conform to my memory of it).

Una buena voz para temas muy tranquilos en un ambiente desenchufado, pero aun así, cómodo de escuchar. Un descubrimiento

Really good, will check out their other stuff. Cheers then.

Love Silver Jews. Clever writing, relatable depression, and fun instrumentals (Shout out Transylvania Blues, great in stereo).

Folky rocky. Enjoyed but without holding my full attention.

pretty based, honestly not a big country fan but there’s some really nice indie stuff in here, 8/10

I actually really liked this one. Thought it was pretty good

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

Today I have yet another artists that I’ve never come across before. A quick Google seems to indicate they were integral to the American music scene, so maybe that’s why they never hit my radar in the UK. I’ll be reading about their singer, David Berman, on his Wikipedia as I listen to this because he seems to have been a very unwell person. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Horseleg Swastika, Friday Night Fever I started listening to this album earlier in the day while driving and it didn’t click. To give it a fair go, I started again with my big headphones on to give it a proper listen from front to back. It sounds a lot better with headphones and I can appreciate it more. The vocals are a little odd, in that he’s definitely not the strongest singer, but it kind of works for this music. I enjoyed this more than I expected after my first impression earlier today. His Wikipedia was really sad to read, so the pulling of the heartstrings might have biased me a little.

to quote John Hinckley Jr: "Fantastic songs! RIP David Berman."

7/10. Might even be worth an 8. The mood feels more consistent than monotonous, and is a great way to spend some time being sad.

Familiar voices sonic delight

Não conheci a banda e gostei demais

And they say punk is dad….. but this is rock…. Indie rock…. Country? Idk but it ain’t bad

8/10. Nice , sounds like other silver Jews albums

Nice med det rip

Enjoyed

Townes Van Zandt eqsue indie rock.. What's not to like.

Very good stuff

Never listened to Silver Jews before this and definitely plan to listen to more after this. I very much enjoyed this one - there are some fantastic lyrical turns throughout!

Great roots poetry!

Love it all.

fav song - horseleg swastikas - reminds me of elliott smith - great lyrics about being lost in life and feeling like you always do the wrong thing least fav - tennessee - the only song that went too far into the silly side without the emotional side to balance

Great listening. His lyrics are thoughtful and draw you in

Very melancholy, loved it

4.5

Decent 7/10

A good mix, enjoyed it.

Music for me.

pretty sad ad blue fun and acoustic

C'est bancal donc j'aime bien

Loved the slacker country vibe

I was introduced to the Silver Jews through a friend and was curious mainly because of David Berman's association with Stephen Malkmus and they do sound a lot like Pavement. The band produced some pretty decent records and was surprised, Bright Flight made the list. I would have considered American Waters or Tanglewood Numbers before Flight, because I thought they were better records and there were no contributions from Malkmus on Bright Flight. The songs are okay, but at times Berman sounds like a drunken David Lowery from Camper Van Beethoven. Of course, the lyrics are great, but is it essential? No, but an important and interesting band.

This is VERY VERY different from anything i've ever listened to (on purpose). That does not by any means I dislike it, in fact, I really dig the vibe (even though some songs can be a little gloomy). I read through all the wikipedia info on the bands frontman (Berman) and was entranced in all the crazy details and events that this guy went through in his life, mostly very sad. There was, however, a hilarious quote I found: "I've got a credit card rotisserie system that would dazzle the ancients"

4.0

Vocals were not entirely to my taste. Lyrics were sometimes okay - I liked the occasional storyteller feel. It was a little bland at times, but overall I enjoyed the sound and just felt like something was missing? Normally I'd give this a 3, but there were so many moments I fell in love with musically that it gets pushed to a 4 even though it's more like a 3.5.

С одной стороны очень минималистичный, но с другой очень существенный (?) альбом, который зайдёт далеко не всем (привет всем безбожным элитистам данного сайта). Лично мне этот альбом нравился всё больше и больше с каждой минутой и уже в конце я не мог как-то отрицательно высказаться по нему. Сначала вокальные партии казались совсем вычурными и скучными, но со временем пришло осознание, что именно так всё и задумано. Объективно говоря, такая подача текста идеально подходит под звук и тексты. Кстати о текстах, они просто пестрят своей фразиологичностью, и из-за этого доносят своё глубинное значение, даже если не обращать особое внимание на них, а также они совершенно не наскучивают, даже если снова обращать внимание на вокал. В общем, я совершенно ничего не ожидал от этого альбома, особенно, что он мне понравится, but here we are. Хватит хейтить всё подряд (7 - 7.5)

This was some really nice Nashville indie rock. Let’s not and say we did was my favorite and the rest was pleasant but sad. Not much more to say.

Surprised to see this averaging sub-3.