It can be difficult to delve into any artist’s discography, but when that artist has released 11 studio albums — as Damien Jurado has — it can seem damn near impossible. Jurado’s is one worth delving into, however, because his music fits a number of molds. Whether you’re in the mood for stripped-down singer/songwriter stuff, hard and angsty rock, or even wonky-sonic-pop, he’s got you covered. And while the instrumentation styles have varied over the years, Jurado’s songs have always been honest, heartbreaking, and consistently great.
Last week he released Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son, his third pairing with Richard Swift and his most youthful sounding record to date. He just so happens to be headlining The Frequency this Thursday night in support of Brothers and Sisters, and for some wacky reason this show only costs a measly ten dollars. So, there’s honestly no reason not to be there. Seriously. It will be incredible.
“Ohio” from Rehearsals for Departure
“Ohio” is probably my favorite song of Jurado’s, and it’s also a prime example of his early, somber sound. If anything, “Ohio” shows that even way back in 1999 Jurado was an already excellent, already emotional songwriter.
“Paperwings” from I Break Chairs
On I Break Chairs, Jurado added a backing band and presumably smashed his acoustic guitar — along with a few chairs — to bits. Influenced largely by producer David Bazan, “Paperwings” is instrumentally heavier than anything else in Jurado’s catalogue; this straightforward rocker also sheds a new, different light on his vocal capabilities.
“Gillian Was a Horse” from Caught in the Trees
“Gillian Was a Horse” is a superb song because it radiates happiness. “Gillian Was a Horse” is about a suicide.
“Sheets” from Caught in the Trees
“Sheets” boosts a little more oomph than the rest of Caught in the Trees, making it the most moving and introspective track on a very moving and introspective record.
“Arkansas” from Saint Bartlett
“Arkansas” was the first single released in anticipation of Saint Bartlett, Jurado’s first record produced by Richard Swift. And while the track is an enormous sonic departure from Jurado’s previous work, it still retains his knack for pairing a catchy melody with pernicious lyrics.
“Silver Timothy” from Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son
“Silver Timothy” is Jurado’s latest single, and like most of Brothers and Sisters it’s characterized by its youthful, energized movement.