Purple Mountains

Description

You know that voice. An old friend is back. This voice is certainly an integral part of your mental jukebox. It is stored there with at least two dozen other Silver Jews tracks, which officially became classics in 2009, when that voice, David Berman's, announced his musical retirement. Ten years have passed since then. No one knows where all that time has gone. Yet, here he is again, Purple Mountains is David Berman's new pen name. Purple Mountains is also the name of what will become one of his greatest albums. A self-titled album filled with a double-edged spirit and wisdom, steeped in that mix of handcrafted rock joys and sorrows. The songs are impeccably produced by Jarvis Taveniere and Jeremy Earle of Woods, polished like a dance floor before a night of dancing and romance. David Berman paints his most honest portrait to date, frankly confessing an almost complete breakdown from the outset, before venturing into more nuanced territory of self-criticism and professional erasure. A form of thought that struggles to be heard in this illegitimate country that gives Purple Mountains all its interest and beauty. A thieving poet who stole the most precious moments, Berman, now stripped bare and repentant, shares his most miserable moments in the smallest detail. Never has Berman laid himself so bare to entertain others, even if David himself stays away from the party. It doesn't take long to realize that this is one of those essential, timeless albums.