2015 solo release from the San Francisco-based singer/songwriter best known for her work with Espers. Don't Weigh Down the Light is her first album since 2011's Seasons On Earth, and it arrives alive with mystery and color-buoyed by a voice that's a warm, mesmerizing call across time. Like Meg's previous LPs (and much of Espers output,) the foundation of Don't Weigh Down the Light is her lyrical, precise, and propulsive fingerstyle guitar work and a voice that moves from soaring and tender to soothing and spellbinding. A voice that more than a few have likened to folk's greatest female voices: Sandy Denny, Jacqui McShee, and Shirley Collins. Meg Baird's last decade would be remarkable by any artist's standards. She co-founded and recorded three albums with Espers-one of the most distinctive and hypnotic bands of the century's first decade. She recorded two solo LPs for Drag City - Dear Companion and Seasons on Earth. She also collaborated with Will Oldham, Kurt Vile, Sharon Van Etten, and Steve Gunn and toured with the legendary Bert Jansch. And while it's been four years since her last release, the days since have been anything but restful. She played drums and recorded with Philadelphia cave punks Watery Love, and toured with Michael Chapman, Michael Hurley, Vile, Cass McCombs, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Lambchop. And after more than a decade as a fixture in Philadelphia's boiling-over musical scene, Meg moved west to San Francisco where she joined forces (as drummer and lead vocalist) with members of Comets on Fire and Assemble Head to form the moody and thunderous Heron Oblivion. She also wrote and recorded Don't Weigh Down the Light.
B**L
Beautiful Album by a True Songbird
Beautiful album. She sings like a songbird but not for everyone. If you like Espers, Fairport Convention or The Pentagle (Jaquie McShee et al) I'd say it's essential. 4 stars if you are into those artists.
L**D
Oh so incredibly beautiful. Don't Weigh Down the Light is like a ...
Oh so incredibly beautiful. Don't Weigh Down the Light is like a summer day in the 70's... Sweet and unencumbered and swinging on a tree swing with a heart soaring with birds...Every song is a jewel of light.
S**K
Five Stars
As described, fast shipping.
C**H
Long guitar intros to not much
Breathy and uninteresting.
M**N
Essential listening for anyone interested beautiful singer-songwriter music.
I'll get this out of the way early on - Meg Baird's old band, Espers, are my favourite of all time. I won't get into why I hold them in such high esteem (that's for another review) but it's worth mentioning because although I am somewhat biased toward Meg Baird's solo work, I'm also expecting a hell of a lot more out of this album than most people.Does it disappoint a die-hard fan such as myself? I can gladly say "no". Those familiar with Baird's previous solo album, 2011's Seasons on Earth should be right at home here. Don't Weigh Down The Light has the same calm, steadily-paced atmosphere as Meg's previous work, however the sonic pallet here is different enough to keep the album a clearly separate work from any of her others.Whereas Seasons on Earth made generous use of lap-steel, with only occasional electric guitar work, Don't Weigh Down The Light changes the musical palette to something entirely different. There's not a lap-steel to be heard on this album - instead, the songs are arranged with sublime lead guitar, pianos, 12 strings and even some subtle drum work. The songs are still, at heart, based around Meg's superbly controlled, precise guitar work but the focus is taken away from that more on this album than on either of her previous solo works.Meg's voice is as strong here as it's ever been and the lyrics too are typical of her previous work. Although it's often hard to decipher meaning from her frequently personal lyrics, the words have a soothing quality to them but even if they didn't her voice is so genuinely beautiful that it wouldn't matter.This is the first of Meg's solo albums to consist entirely of original songs - 2007's stunning Dear Companion features only two originals, while Seasons On Earth contains the same quantity of covers. This is perhaps a sign that Meg is growing in confidence as a songwriter (not that she ever seemed to lack it) and if this is the case, then nowhere is it more apparent than on the 58 second Leaving Song, a wordless a capella piece of stunning ethereal beauty. It's a piece that most couldn't even begin to pull off and it shows that Meg Baird is as confident in her own voice as she should be.Long terms fans will be very happy with Don't Weigh Down The Light, not that they'll need to be told that by me. Those unfamiliar with Meg Baird's previous work will find an album that successfully balances depth and accessibility. The album may require a few listens to fully appreciate it, however even initial listens will prove enjoyable. A number of the songs here, such as the opening Counterfeiters and the upbeat Good Directions will draw the listener in straight away, regardless of how experienced that person is in Meg Baird's music.Anyone interested in introspective, beautiful acoustic music sung with precision and performed with considerable talent should get a lot from this album.
M**S
Soul searching folky vocals and guitar
Folk guitar and vocals from Meg Baird. She has an astonishing voice and is an equally talented musician. In the true tradition of all English folk artists but with a heavy rock element. Reminiscent of Sandy Denny.
L**S
Her best solo album to date.
I'm a fan of Meg. This is a bit of a departure for her (solo) as she's accompanied by Charlie Saufley on electric guitar. I find Charlie's guitar very reminiscent of mid period Tim Buckley/Lee Underwood (and I mean that in a positive way!). Definitely enhances.I think it's her most cohesive solo album to date.I had the pleasure of seeing Meg pretty much play this album live on her recent (support slot) uk tour and chat to her afterwards. Turns out she's a really nice person too.My album (and gig) of the year.
P**H
Sublime
Sublime. One of the best albums I have heard for many years. It appealed to me before the first bar had ended. Her voice is marvellous and music the matches it. A definite wholehearted recommendation to the folk fraternity. (probably not the open toed sandal brigade)
B**A
Four Stars
Great
G**L
Gift
Gift
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