I was somewhat hesitant to post this on the blog, but ultimately, Whitmore's music needs to be heard. A few years ago he released an album, Animals in the Dark, that was the first record to be recorded outside of his trilogy of records that dealt with the feelings of loss and death (Ashes to Dust, Hymns for the Hopeless, Song of the Blackbird). Animals was a maturing of Whitmore's already classic style, incorporating all sorts of instruments along with some very political lyrics. The album was highly praised, and the success received form it was with great reason.
Field Songs is almost a going back to form record, not necessarily rediscovering his roots (he's never lost his footing in that respect), more so a minimal take on his brand of Americana. The record is all conceived around the idea of being one with the land around you, specifically in regards to farming. The political leanings of Animals finds it's way in the record, with a few shots towards factory farming, but songs are mostly about fully embracing yourself with the Earth. To lose one's self in the flow of nature. The album also includes many nature-like interludes, with the sounds of birds chirping and the wind blowing while the songs wind down or start up.
Those who enjoyed the fire and brimstone of Animals in the Dark, shouldn't be wary of Field Songs, Whitmore definitely has more rebellious inclinations that will manifest themselves in later records. However, especially with his growing career, one shouldn't forget what Whitmore is teaching us with Field Songs, taking moments in time to remember where we come from. Please do yourself a favor, if you even remotely enjoy this man's art, go see him when he comes to your town and show him your support.
Tracks:
- Bury Your Burdens in the Ground
- Field Song
- Don't Need It
- Everything Gets Gone
- Let's Do Something Impossible
- Get There From Here
- We'll Carry On
- Not Feeling Any Pain
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