A Valiant Attempt, But Comes Up Short

The Silver Jews sixth album Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee; and the Cash-like vocals of David Berman fit right into the folklore of Music City, USA. Assisted by his wife Cassie, Berman lays down an album filled with poetic lyrics and good ol’ country twang. Regardless of whether or not you are a big country fan, Berman gives his songs enough edge so it doesn’t feel like you are at a Chet Atkins concert.

Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea is a valiant attempt, but it just doesn’t live up to the Jews previous accomplishments. I just don’t believe in songs like “Candy Jail” or “Strange Victory, Strange Defeat”. Without Malkmus, the Silver Jews have lost an edge. The music is not terrible, but when comparing this album to an album like American Water, it is just mediocre. What the Jews do accomplish is a tighter performance. It no longer feels like jam sessions. The production is crisp and clean. Perhaps i’m living in the past, but the off-beat feel of the Jews previous work is what I liked about this once make-shift band.

 ~TJK

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