Archer Prewitt
Wilderness
2005
Down to the single digits. "Wilderness" is the genius of Archer Prewitt, a member of jazzy, melodic post-pop group the Sea and Cake. Here Prewitt composes some of the most elegant and sophisticated pop music of the decade. While his solo endeavors are always overshadowed by the work of his main group, I find his solo material to be even more satisfying. "Wilderness" is permeated with a sense of melancholy in Prewitt's hushed, elegant vocal lines. Then of course the music here is a blend of folk-pop alongside lush, carefully detailed arrangements of strings, slight tonal swells, piano strikes, twinkling bells and quiet organ. When I'm listening to this record I'm always struck by the clarity of vision and sound found here. Everything here was rigorously mulled over and refined, quite an admirable work ethic present.
Even though I've been riding high on this record since 2005 (my favorite record of that year), I'm always amazed with the emotional power and the sophistication here. An unsung gem to be sure. This record is one that soaks into your being, transcending the time in which it was made resulting in one of the few timeless records on these lists. With a record as unassuming and understated as this, throwing a plethora of superlatives at it won't do much good. Instead I urge you to take a quiet moment, brew some coffee and sit down with this recording. This classic will return the favor ten-fold. -S.R.
Although I am not particularly moved by this album, I could see how someone else could be. The songs are well written and are given very nice arrangements. Archer Prewitt has a very welcoming voice to new listeners as well. Personally, I find the album a little boring – the sound just doesn’t resonate with me much. But I still have respect for Prewitt as an artist. - Phil
Haha - you know what I just realized, Steve? Your favorite record of 2005 was called "Wilderness" and my favorite record of 2005 was called "The Woods!" Haha!
ReplyDeleteI love this record, one of the best! I only wish more people heard this (and that it came out on vinyl) because I think it could have huge, sweeping appeal. Nobody writes pop this well.
ReplyDeleteOh - and, Phil, you're crazy. That connection is ridiculous, haha.
i like it :) this makes me feel like i'm watching an episode of the wonder years (i tend to think of music in relation to live action, no offense to the music buffs intended... life is a soundtrack afterall yes?)
ReplyDeletewill be pandora-ing this archer prewitt and the sea and cake,
thanks for the lungfish recommendation steve, it totally got me through finals week!
that's awesome that you got into Lungfish Meena! Higgs&Co. could always use the additional fans.
ReplyDelete