It has been over a week since the release of James Vincent McMorrow’s new album, Post Tropical. This new offering is paralysingly beautiful, from start to finish. Do not be surprised when you find yourself crippled by the absolute ecstasy that transpires in each song. This album is truly a testament of James Vincent McMorrow’s growth as a musician.
For one, this album was better promoted on social networks (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), public places and spaces and various media. By the time of the release on 13 January 2014, loyal fans had already pre-ordered their copies on iTunes (I know, I was one of them). If you do not know James Vincent Mcmorrow, then you have been depriving yourself of a much needed eargasm. Also, good friends share good things, so after googling Wicked Game, If I had a Boat and We Don’t Eat (do not judge the music by the titles), or the more recent Cavalier, Red Dust and Gold, tell your friends!
Off Post Tropical, it was really difficult to choose a favourite song, because each composition makes an invaluable contribution to the magnificence of the entire album. You will grow quite fond of Cavalier, Gold, Glacier, Post Tropical and Outside Digging (I am stopping now before I list all ten songs).
If you feel like you cannot hear all the lyrics, it is probably because you cannot hear all the lyrics, that is just how James Vincent McMorrow sings. Do not worry, after the third listen you will be able to sing along. If not, just enjoy the mini-symphonies as they come (it is the only way I know how to explain ten sets of four minute awesome). As for the sound, the music has a nostalgic tone. Expect the folk from the previous album, Early in the Morning, to seep out, but it is well blended with modern rhythms. Think of the soundtrack of the Beasts of the Southern Wild film, combined with Asa, rooted in the romanticism only James Vincent McMorrow can create (epic is not the word for this).
Post Tropical is so poetic, just right for those days when you want to quiet down from the rush of life and sit back and have a session of reflection. Post Tropical is perfect, and complete as it is. It does not need a music review, you just need to hear it. You will do yourself a disservice if you think Kanye West’s new lyrics will reach down to your soul and inspire you, or if Justin Bieber’s new album is romantic, or if Miley Cyrus’s new publicity stunt is worth YouTubing (actually, that could be worth the trouble). If there is anything about Post Tropical worth writing about- it is that James Vincent McMorrow is the Beethoven/William Shakespeare hybrid our generation needs.
In the words of ABBA, “thank you for the music” James, and what I think Richard Branson says, “Buy it”.