Since a fortnight from today this album has found itself a comfortable place in my library. After winning high praise with the release of his second full length ‘On Promenade’, the Texan songwriter buckled down to one of his side-projects, namely the scoring of 9 texts excerpt from the Psalms of King David!
“This will be a collection of mellow, melancholy, but beatiful tunes, ones that I feel have a universal power to move people…because there’s just something about the Psalms. They’re unflinching in their honesty and ache. “
Obviously The Shawl won’t be to everybody’s liking. So, as to give you an objective point of view, reminding you of my atheism: I stand in awe as well as I am perplexed ! Sure I’m a fan of M. Burr and I have been secretly watching the release of this collection since the publication of it on his MySpace and I already granted you with an announcing post including the single – I Am Weary With My Sighing.
So why embark on a collection seemingly biblical, even mystical, when one doesn’t believe in God? That’s where the shoe pinches of course. But how resist composer talents at one time anchored in the purest folk, at other times sliding into gospel. That’s the dilemma!
Believers, rise now and buy yourself this magnificent collection without the slightest hesitation. If you’re addicted to the music of Doug Burr and you find it impossible to separate music from lyrics, allow yourself to be tempted out of curiosity. As for me, this album is already on my cdbaby wishlist; an offertory for some of my best catholic friends.
Artist : Doug Burr
Label : Velvet Blue Music
Where to buy : Velvet Blue Music / cdbaby.com / itunes
Another great track by Burr, well done O.
I shall go forth and listen, and not try to rely on my faith to allow me to enjoy…
S.
For me the disc is lacking Doug’s great use of melody that was the hook for me in his prior two releases. It may have to do with the fact that he is translating actual Psalms from the Bible to song. A interesting side project, that for me wasn’t rewrding. I’m looking forward to his next collection of tunes. If you like this or have nbot heard of him prior, Do check out his prior two records!
Thanks for stopping by Kevin and sharing your point of view. I guess Mr Burr’s discography stands on the top of the tops in your library !
But i’m quite confused reading your critics regarding this album : dealing with melodies, both opening and closing tracks are purely masterpieces : something approaching a crystal.. It sounds like Mr Burr reached the delicate balance between such ancient writings and his own faith.
Well, indeed, it’s just my appreciation
I never thought I’d say this when I first heard the album but after a couple of listens I consider the whole a masterpiece. I would almost wish I was ‘one of them’ and could relate to the lyrics the way believers can. Mr. Burr has done an astounding job delivering this album. Ofcourse, it’s only my appreciation too
Hey Olly, I have no problem regarding Doug’s faith whatsoever. His music has always been spiritual in the Christian context. I’m favoring his more “pop song” songwriting stucture. You know, Verase, Chorus, Verase, Chorus, Bridge,Chorus, etc. By taking the Psalms and applying them to music, he’s lost some of that, No? And to call something a masterpiece, well? I don’t think “the Shawl
‘ in nearly as powerfull as