Beard and all, I loves me some J. Tillman. Really.
On his own, Fleet Fox-style, or backing up his brother Zach & the rest of Pearly Gate Music - whatever your personal taste may be, you've got to admit that this guy's got quite a bit of talent.
While the most recent show at the Crocodile left a bit to be desired (by fault of the crowd, that is, not the band), apparently the new album coming out on Western Vinyl won't disappoint. Based on the adjectives, it sounds like it's going to be quite a departure from what we've heard thus far:
Unknown to just about everyone, Tillman started recording in April, tracking most of the instruments during the two week session himself. Hammered dulcimer, banjo, recorder, cymbals of varying size and wheezing air organs all feature heavily and lend YITK it's bizarre scale, conjuring tidal shifts with tiny movements. The string arrangements, performed by Jenna Conrad, as well as transposed from Tillman's sung direction, were intended to rest on chords almost counter-intuitively, bringing to bloom complex, decontextualized tones. Most noticeable upon first listen, however, is the production itself. While most of Tillman's records evidence some shambolic home recording, YITK is undisturbed throughout. Out up front of the mix, and dry as a bone, Tillman's voice is featured in a way unlike any of his previous records.
To get a taste of what's coming to us from Year in the Kingdom, surf on over to this link and catch Pitchfork's exclusive preview of the new tune "Earthly Bodies." You can also make good use of MySpace if you're looking for more of what J. Tillman's got.
And the best part - tour info! Yay.
In 2008, Tillman joined Seattle band of longtime friends and musical collaborators, Fleet Foxes who he'll be touring with in Europe and the US throughout July, August and September.
Tillman will then embark on a national US tour for Year In The Kingdom in September which continue throughout the Fall.
Here's everything I could scour up on the subject:
- The most up-to-date Fleet Foxes dates (thanks, Sub Pop!)
- Pearly Gate Music playing at the Sunset in July, and an archive of their set on KEXP
But unfortunately (not yay!) from what I can gather, we'll just have to wait for J. Tillman's fall dates to appear on the interwebs. I'll be sure to post back as they become available - or if you happen to stumble across them, please - enlighten us with your comments!
Reviews
1 Ben said on June 19, 2009
Holy crap, finally, someone acknowledges the Crocodile show.
Personally, I loved it. His descent into madness was absolutely delicious. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy his music, but his stage act(?) is always a steaming bath of sarcastic wit.
I'm just relieved someone finally said something. I've made a couple mentions about it, but no bites. I guess it really was that most people there weren't paying attention.
2 Joe Richey said on June 20, 2009
Tillman is a fantastic talent, no doubt. His addition to the FF was a brilliant move, as he has added a new life and depth to that band. He's a better drummer than their previous one (who I guess is pissed and trying to sue FF!), but really his voice is what carries the day. Can't wait to see what the solo work is like now. I agree that some of his albums have suffered from their recordings. He's a serious writer in his own right and should in my opinion get with a serious producer, like Tucker Martine. The fact that JT is known for blowing up at crowds who don't give a shit, for me, only adds respect. Too many people are just into the scene and drinking and aren't locked in, so they miss out on his darkly beautiful tunes. Bravo JT!
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