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Rating:
LA RECENSIONE
Take a recording studio, 2/5 of Lou Reed, 1/5 of Tom Waits, 1/5 of Arizona, 1/5 of Denmark (where the album was partly recorded), a hint of blues, a pinch of jazz, a dash of tango, shake it well and voilà: here is The Listener by Howe Gelb.
In short, nothing new under the Tucson sun. The "quotations" are explicit (see Lou Reed in "Felonious" and in "Lying There"). The result is not unpleasant.
Between piano, guitar, and hints of strings, the ballads of the Giant Sand leader manage to evoke emotions with a musical language tinged with melancholy and introspection.
It is certainly not a masterpiece, in the long run it might bore, but it should be listened to at least once, perhaps while crossing a desert adorned with cacti.
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Summary by Bot
Howe Gelb’s The Listener combines influences from Lou Reed, Tom Waits, and various musical styles including blues, jazz, and tango. Recorded partly in Denmark and Arizona, the album features melancholic and introspective ballads with piano, guitar, and subtle strings. While not groundbreaking or a masterpiece, the album offers a notable mood and is worth listening to at least once. It may appeal during reflective moments like desert journeys but can feel slow over time.Tracklist Videos
