The Stand Ins (2008, Jagjaguwar) Okkervil River's fifth studio album. ***1/2Wherever you think Okkervil River derives their influence from, they've proven to be one of the most peculiar bands in recent history. Over the course of their career they've never had a clean solid hit; I don't mean a radio-friendly jingle that makes their name, I mean a completely solid album from start to finish. That's not to suggest the idea that Okkervil River's albums aren't entertaining, but they've never been able to achieve the power that they want to.
The Stand Ins is another example of that. Yet again, the band has crafted an album I'm sure I'll add to my record collection at some point this year, but they've succeeded in maneuvering away from crafting a true masterpiece. They could have done it, particularly on their last two releases, but Okkervil River gets too hokey for their own good. Musically, many moments are breathtaking, and Sheff's emotional vocal delivery never gets old. Lyrically, however, they never match the sincerity or force that the music does. An example is the pounding "Lost Coastlines," whose alternative folk sound rocks hard. It starts off simply with an acoustic guitar, but it accelerates into a sonic whirlwind. And while the words may sound pretty, the ideas don't always shine through clearly.
Even one of the albums prettiest moments, "Blue Tulip," can't escape the stereotype. Sheff's finest vocal performance on The Stand Ins by far, yet bland lines like "I'll feel your feelings crackling" render it emotionally gutless. What's so strange about this failure of individual lines is that the themes are radiantly clear without being didactic; lost love, loneliness, and the like. Overall, The Stand Ins is not a weak entry in a fairly impressive catalogue; rather, it seems to fit right in with the good job that they've done since they've been playing. Okkervil River continues the band that is rarely breathtaking, often genius, mostly good, and never unlistenable. (Lost Coastlines, Blue Tulip, Bruce Wayne)
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2 comments:
I've just heard of them recently. Because of your review I'm considering buying it just to give it a listen. I like how they seem to be a modern folk thing.
It's a good album. They've always been the band next door, almost there but never quite. One of these days they'll put out a classic album.
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