David Berman is back. What, you say you don't know who David Berman is? Well he is also known as the Silver Jews. What, you still don't know who that is? That could be because Berman rarely gives interviews or performs, but that is all changing. In 2006, the Jews with some sort of backing band will embark on a United States tour for the first time ever. Finally the world will get to experience one of indie rock's most treasured secrets.
The Silver Jews are mostly a revolving cast of band members. Only Berman is the constant. Past and present members have included Pavement's Stephen Malkmus who brings some cutting and wild guitar work. Paz Lenchantin brings the country flavor with the banjo and violin. Drummer Brian Kotzur keeps the band tight along with keyboardist Tony Crow.
Tanglewood Numbers is probably the most aggressive guitar oriented Silver Jews album to date. Berman here sheds his typical alt country/folk persona and focuses on gritty guitar solos and solid bass lines. He does keep his keen sense of quirky song-writing that can be considered genius in some circles. Berman has a way of telling a story through metaphors that is mesmerizing.
Tanglewood Numbers opens with "Punks in the Beerlight". With lines like "Two burnouts in love/ Punks in the beerlight/I love you to the max" Berman sets the tone for the entire album. The song with its folky Americana sound fused with Malkmus' guitar work make it something Silver Jews fans have not heard before. It evokes the spirit of the solo work of Mike Watt.
"Sometimes a Pony gets Depressed" is Berman showcasing his song-writing ability. The pony a metaphor for himself and the issues Berman is dealing with regarding his own emotions. Berman asks ""Where does an animal sleep when the ground is wet?". More like where does David Berman sleep when he is down.
"K-Hole" a Sonic Youth sounding tune is a depressive self-hating look at Berman himself, and more importantly relationships. It shows a more obsessive and vengeful side of Berman. "I'd rather live in a trash can than see you happy with another man," Berman sings, and its a feeling every guy has felt about certain women in their life.
Tanglewood Numbers closes with "There is a Place" the album's highlight by the way. A song with mystic, prophetic, and truly poetic overtones. With lines like "There is a place past the blues I never want to see again" and "I saw God's shadow on this world" Berman really does sound like a poetic madman bent on preaching his word to all of us. |