The title of Lou Barlow's 2005 release EMOH is a clear play on the style of indie rock--prominent in the late 1990s and 2000s--that emphasizes personal, confession lyrics and plaintive singing. The name is a more than a little ironic--Barlow was playing "emo" music with his band Sebadoh as early as 1989, and has since steadily turned out many recordings that combine sensitive songwriting and lo-fi experimentalism. In addition to raising production values (an anomaly for Barlow), EMOH features a very strong batch of songs, and plays like a summation of the strengths in Barlow's previous work.
The shuffling country-folk of "Holding Back the Year" opens the album, smoothing Barlow's indie edges with a lilting melody and sweet harmonies. "Home" (an anagram for the disc's title) brings listeners into the world of contrasts--an aggressive rhythmic and sonic wash churns over its charming tune. Barlow's facility with poignant acoustic ballads is in effect throughout the record, with a fine roster of guest musicians adding shimmer and texture (even on his stately cover of Ratt's "Round-N-Round"). In his songwriting, clever arrangements and production, and compelling expression of vulnerability and interior life, Barlow still outdistances most upstart emo acts on the market.
1st "Solo" Record From Sebadoh ,Folk Implosion Frontman.
Personnel: Lou Barlow (vocals, guitar); Adam Harding (vocals, guitar, piano); Imogene Rosen (vocals); Mark Schwaber (guitar, bass guitar); Erin Hugely (cello); Imaad Wasif (vocals, guitar, percussion); Carey Kotsionis (vocals); Abby Barlow (cello); Jason Loewenstein (drums, percussion); Russell Pollard (drums).
Audio Mixers: Josh Schwartz; Mark Miller ; Mark Nevers; Wally Gagel.
Rolling Stone (No. 967, p.84) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[F]ull of quiet lyricism and Nick Drake beauty..." Spin (p.92) - "[O]ne these subtly lovelorn songs, his voice quavers with grounded, lived-in authority." - Grade: B+ Uncut (p.108) - 4 stars out of 5 - "Using acoustic guitar, piano and vocals, he delivers 14 sweetly somber neo-folk tunes that reveal just how subtly persuasive the man's influence really is." Magnet (p.86) - "Gathering his various personalities in one room suits Barlow well, as he boils down the best bits of each, from strummy pop that could be Sebadoh to spare and delicate acoustic ballads to bumpier, Folk Implosion-styled fare."
Guidelines Remember to focus your comments on Lou Barlow - Emoh CD. Check our review guidelines for specific details regarding customer review policy.
To submit your review, please fill out the above form and click "Submit Review." A staff member will then verify your review meets our guidelines. Upon approval, your review will be published within a few days.
Please do not use this form to comment on web site errors or for order related questions. If you have concerns of this nature, please contact customer service by filling out this form.
Share this Product