CD title: Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat (Vanguard Records, September 2006)
Two years ago Carbon Leaf made headlines with the release of the CD Indian Summer, and since then the group has spent its time on the road and writing, and have followed up with Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat, an album that threads its way through happy and sad and back again to its original happy home.
There’s a comforting familiarity in Barry Privett’s vocals, and because Carbon Leaf’s music is at times a little more mellow than some of us would prefer, it’s Privett’s intriguing voice, which sounds almost bored or distracted and at the same time very expressive, that makes Carbon Leaf special. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with the music–Carbon Leaf has performed with the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Counting Crows and John Mayer (and are signed to Vanguard Records, also home of Hootie, Blues Traveler and Yonder Mountain String Band), which just by simple association tells in what vein their music leans toward–a little bit jam band and a lotta bit pop. Their live shows are said to be tight with full walls and layers of sound, and in fact their fan base has been greatly built upon their captivating live sets.
The songs on Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat are scaled-back versions of their live songs that thrive on acoustic guitar, and producer Peter Collins (Bon Jovi, Jewel, Lisa Loeb) did a superb job of making each instrument audible, and the inclusion of unexpected and subtle vocal, guitar and piano nuances add a refreshing level of quiet sophistication. As for the lyrics, Privett proves himself quite the poet.
“I wanted songs that were emotionally available to the listener and to me, without trying to mask what I’m saying with clever language.” Privett said. “The feelings are anxious and regretful. They talk about living up to the mistakes you’ve made. They examine the humanity and weaknesses of everyday life.”
This explaination may make Privett sound somewhat girly, but although his words are sentimental, they are also metaphoric and work well with the music and in the end don’t sound overly sensitive. The song “International Airport” is a good example of Privett’s acute writing style: “I’m on a plane out of town / I’m losing track of myself / On all the time zone lines / And if I daylight save / Do I jump ahead of fall behind?” or “A Girl On Her Horse”: “With no words to say / A girl and her horse can communicate / ‘Cause motion is motion / And nothing’s up for to debate.”
Carbon Leaf is a wholesome good time and this CD is an enjoyable lesson in love, loss, hope and all the other things that make humans human.
For more information on Carbon Leaf, visit www.carbonleaf.com.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
9/21/2006-The Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood
9/22/2006-Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
9/25/2006-The Clubhouse, Tempe
9/26/2006-Club Congress, Tucson
9/28/2006-Suede, Park City
9/29/2006-Bluebird Theater, Denver
