Fast Paced World (2008, Wel) The Duhks' fourth studio album. ***I'm not sure how the Duhks attained the label of "progressive bluegrass," but I think that is hardly what I would call it. In fact, to even attempt to define their genre is difficult, and in their case it's not necessarily a compliment. Fast Paced World often finds the band trying to do too much, ranging from their original bluegrass roots to world, blues, and straightforward jam. To add on top of that, lead singer Sarah Dugas hardly fits the band's approach. Dugas is a jazz singer, plain and simple, and her husky Feist/Winehouse sounding vocals don't suit what the band should be attempting. Now, her voice is very rich and is excellent, and it works great on African pieces like "Magalenha" or the thunderous opener, "Mighty Storm." The problem? A cover of something like "Magalenha" doesn't belong here.
None of the material is bad or poorly performed, but because none of it adds together in any logical sense, you're left wondering what the band was thinking when they went into the studio. It's not unreasonable to entertain the thought that a computer came up with the track sequencing, as random order would work nearly as well as the arrangement they have here. While Fast Paced World may sound good, it's ultimately an aimlessly meandering album, attempting to bring an established sound (which isn't established) to a wide array of genres.
Posts
3 comments:
It's quite evident that you know nothing about music. Why you even chose to review this album is unclear to me.
Sarah wrote most of the material on the album, and so to say that she doesn't fit with the band's approach is ridiculous. In addition, her roots are in Soul, Afrobeat and R&B, not nearly as much Jazz, and certainly not plain or simple, as you so gracefully put it.
To top it off, Magalenha is a Brazilian song, not African. Get your continents right, at least.
Find another way to spend your free time, and leave the reviews to people who actually know something about music.
Noted, though if I praised it, I doubt you'd be half as upset. Thanks!
PS: Why leave it to real critics? No one likes them, either. :)
Post a Comment