Having always fostered a genuine distaste for any real degree of musical virtuosos Wilson is simply the tipping point over the last eighteen months for people kicking that distaste somewhere, well, distasteful… Like Joanna Newsom can really play the harp, Wilson can play the guitar, really quite well. An acoustic guitar is a an endless supply of ideas for Wilson and he uses it that way within his song writing. The ability to play isn’t the point. The point is the songs demand the ability to play. On his record Wilson has added a few other bits and bobs of production. A good move – as his fans know that what we can hear is simply one man and a guitar, the general public may not. Standards have to be higher and Wilson produces an album which accedes to those standards. When those who buy the album see him live then they will be blown away by the performace. Until then they have to be fans of the album. | "Wilson’s songs shimmer in and out of consciousness" | |
It’s an album easy to get behind. Wilson’s songs shimmer in and out of consciousness; Shade of Blue is a great example – it simply doesn’t overstay its welcome. The album isn’t a long one, too often the temptation for a debut, especially a debutant with Wilson’s ability. Instead it has emerged perfectly formed. The songs have the same Americana tinge as they do live. A more musical dramatic Erin McKeown (though without the incisive lyrics – perhaps the only significant criticism of Wilson) or a more aggressive Iron and Wine. Or somewhere in between. Somewhere in between is a good place to be. And Wilson is somewhere in between a terrific songwriter and a terrific musician. At his best he has feet in both camps. I’m going to have to seek out more virtuosos. It’ll be ten minute drum solos before you know it… | 
