The Bottom Line
Pros
- "Slow Moves"
- "Remain"
- "Heartbeats"
- "Hints"
- "Save Your Day"
Cons
- None.
Description
- Just plain beautiful songs
- Reminiscent of the work of John Fahey, Greg Brown, Elliot Smith, and Nick Drake
- Brilliant from start to finish
Guide Review - José González - Veneer
José González has a thing or two in common with indie-folk mastermind Sam Beam. Despite the fact that the two men were born and raised quite literally a world apart from each other, both have, seemingly independent of one another, forged a very distinct path with the tools of contemporary folk-pop.On González's international debut, Veneer, there are no down moments. From the first implications of "Slow Moves," to the final breath of "Broken Arrows," González makes absolutely beautiful music that rivals the timelessness of his influences (according to his bio – Nick Drake, Tim Buckley, and Will Oldham).
Considering he's part Argentinian, raised in Sweden, and currently lives in the UK, it's hard to refer to his work as anything comparable to American folk music. Nonetheless, the elements he employs for his tales of life and love, like the work of any great folksinger, transcend the borders of nations, politics, and generations.
His guitar work on "Crosses" and "Deadweight on Velveteen" is similar to the narrative licks of John Fahey. The words aren't even entirely necessary, and González could have gotten away with simple, non-poetic verse. Given that, the fact that his lyrics are as honestly poetic as those of Greg Brown and Sam Beam, is just icing on the cake.
If you make it through the year somehow not hearing this record, you're seriously missing out on something special.
Listen/Download José González MP3s
