Release Date: 27 September 2019
Label: Under Control Entertainment, Ltd. / Rhyme & Reason
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 620953436826
Genres: Folk
Description
Ben Caplan's debut 2011 album is a mish-mash of many styles, all of which would find their home in roadhouses and smoking dens. The album's predominate vibe is bluesy shanties, with Caplan's deep growl reverberating like a hybrid of Eddie Vedder and the throaty rasp of Tom Waits. His band, The Casual Smokers find themselves accompany a variety of traditional instruments veering between jugband and gypsy punk. The odd flash of far-eastern exoticism can be heard in the likes of the stomping Conduit, but the overall effect is like a group of hillbillies have infiltrated a Brechtian cabaret.This collection of songs is pleasingly ramshackle, as unkempt as Caplan's picture on the sleeve. "Seed Of Love" is a certain highlight that sees Caplan dueting a song that turns swapping phone numbers into something much more epic and significant. Elsewhere, the break-up song "Drift Apart" builds up to some tremendously hand-wringing moments of despair. The tribal infused folk lullaby "Rest Your Head" feels a bit like an odd fit as Caplan's vocals seem to overpower a song that probably demanded a subtler approach. However, the blues/gospel of "Down By The River" is the right showcase for Caplan - booming, bellowing and sweeping across the music. In contrast, "Leave Me Longing" is comparatively minimal approach provides one the album's more powerful moments.The album was originally released in October 2011 and now see its distribution back to the marketplace through Rhyme & Reason RecordsBen continues to the tour the world with his award winning ground breaking theatrical production "Old Stock".
Tracklisting
Red Baraat
Various Artists
Bernard Fowler
Pronoun
Cape Francis
Calliope Musicals
Red Baraat
My Brightest Diamond
Ben Caplan
Ben Caplan
Ben Caplan
