Do not underestimate the talent of Brian Burton aka Danger Mouse. Lest we forget he masterminded the album that never was: The Grey Album. Mixing Jay Z’s vocals with instrumentals from The Beatles White Album, the album became an underground sensation and is arguably one of the best remix albums to date. Since then, he has helped form and produce two albums with Gnarls Barkley as well as the second Gorillaz album, Demon Days. In Broken Bells, a collaboration with The Shins, James Mercer, we see another string to his bow and further recognition of Burtons versatility.
Although Mercer’s vocals have been a distinct feature to the success of his ‘day job’, Burton appears to have given him a little extra attitude and a swagger that signalizes a progression to a more experimental sound. This is not to do any discredit to Mercer, whose influence in creating a softer song construction allows the album to float from one song to the next. This is evident in new single, ‘The Ghost Inside’ beginning with a swooning synth harmony matched with an uplifting chorus despite the album being centred clearly on some form of personal loss. In the opening track , ‘The High Road’ Mercer sings, ‘The Hard Road is hard to find, A detour in your new life, Tell all of your friends goodbye’ a possible nod to the fall out with his former band mates. The vibe however, remains a dreamy one full of wistful harmonies.
Despite previous musical diversions, no severe compromise has been made by either artist. However, the characteristics of both components have found a safe home in each other meaning that the boundaries are not fully pushed. Rather we have the incisive songwriting and galvanising melodies of Mercer submerged with the creative brush and electronic leanings of Burton. The result? A superb pop record.
Although Mercer’s vocals have been a distinct feature to the success of his ‘day job’, Burton appears to have given him a little extra attitude and a swagger that signalizes a progression to a more experimental sound. This is not to do any discredit to Mercer, whose influence in creating a softer song construction allows the album to float from one song to the next. This is evident in new single, ‘The Ghost Inside’ beginning with a swooning synth harmony matched with an uplifting chorus despite the album being centred clearly on some form of personal loss. In the opening track , ‘The High Road’ Mercer sings, ‘The Hard Road is hard to find, A detour in your new life, Tell all of your friends goodbye’ a possible nod to the fall out with his former band mates. The vibe however, remains a dreamy one full of wistful harmonies.
Despite previous musical diversions, no severe compromise has been made by either artist. However, the characteristics of both components have found a safe home in each other meaning that the boundaries are not fully pushed. Rather we have the incisive songwriting and galvanising melodies of Mercer submerged with the creative brush and electronic leanings of Burton. The result? A superb pop record.
Download
A Hard Road, Vaporize, Mongrel Heart
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