Grant-Lee Phillips - Widdershins

by Nicky Crewe

published: 1 / 3 / 2018

Label: Yep Roc
Format: CD

Latest album from Grant-Lee Phillips which takes inspiration from the difficult times we live in and transforms them into a positive musical experience

Review

'Widdershins' is an old word for turning anti clockwise, spiraling backwards. It doesn’t just describe the movement. In folklore it can create a kind of magic. So, it’s a very fitting title for Grant-Lee Phillips' new album. Based in Nashville, described as an Americana musician, he has built up a strong and loyal fanbase since the 90s, some would argue without ever really getting the recognition he deserves. But those that know his music appreciate him. There’s something transatlantic in his approach to music too. In the past he made an album of covers that included songs by Robyn Hitchcock, the Smiths and New Order. In the publicity notes Phillips says, "This album begs the question, 'In what direction are we moving?'" "I’m drawing from the urgency of the moment"... "I made a commitment to myself not to sink into despair"…. "We’ve been through some of this before – not just our country, but the civilisation as a whole." He’s looking back to his time with his band Grant-Lee Buffalo, another period of heightened social anxiety. I’m with him there. Musicians have always been the ones to speak truth to power and lift our spirits in difficult times, whether personal, political or global. This collection of songs were recorded over four days. It’s like listening to a live album. The songs have thoughtful lyrics, he’s a great singer and there’s a solid band behind him including Jerry Roe on drums and Lex Price on bass. Look at the titles of the songs and you’ll get a sense of where he’s coming from. 'Walk in Circles', 'Unruly Mobs', 'The Wilderness (with its wolf howl)', 'Great Acceleration' and 'Liberation' all have great energy and impact. 'Miss Betsy' and 'Totally You Gunslinger' take us back to a past American way of life. 'Scared Stiff' must have been partly inspired by the Clash’s 'London Calling'. 'History Has Their Number' sums it up' - "You can’t live in anger, nobody can." 'Another, Another, Then Boom' has him in a quieter singer songwriter mood, showing off the quality of his voice. He’s been described as a ‘soulful balladeer’ and much as I enjoyed the live energy of much of the album, it’s the thoughtful 'King of Catastrophes' that’s my current favourite track. Last year I saw a documentary about the largely unrecognised contribution of musicians of Native American heritage to popular music. 'Rumble:The Indians Who Rocked The World'is a fascinating and revealing film. Grant-Lee Phillips’ family heritage is Native American and if you have seen the film, you will recognise that he takes his place in that particular hall of fame too.

Track Listing:-

1 Walk in Circles
2 Unruly Mobs
3 King of Catastrophes
4 Something's Gotta Give
5 Scared Stiff
6 Miss Betsy
7 The Wilderness
8 Another, Another, Then Boom
9 Totally You Gunslinger
10 History Has Their Number
11 Great Acceleration
12 Liberation