Condition: New
José González - In Our Nature
Label: Imperial Recordings / Mute
Format: Vinyl, LP, Limited Edition
has inner sleeve
New
Country: USA
Released: 2007
Genre: Pop
Style: Acoustic
Tracklist
A1 How Low 2:40
A2 Down The Line 3:10
A3 Killing For Love 3:02
A4 In Our Nature 2:42
A5 Teardrop
Written-By – Vowles, Fraser, Marshall, Del Naja 3:33
B1 Abram 1:48
B2 Time To Send Someone Away
Written-By – M. Bergqvist 2:47
B3 The Nest
Written-By – Y. Nagano 2:23
B4 Fold 2:54
B5 Cycling Trivialities 8:09
Credits
Artwork By – E. Araya
Backing Vocals – Y. Nagano
Lyrics By – JG (tracks: A1 to A4, B1 to B5)
Mastered By – Hans Olsson
Mixed By – D. Alstherberg, K. Gustafsson Jerneholm, M. Nyberg
Mixed By, Guitar, Recorded By, Music By, Producer, Vocals – JG
Synthesizer – H. Wirenstrand
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Svenska Grammofonstudion.
Published by Imperial Music Publishing/Misty Music except "Teardrop" (5) by Massive Attack, published by Universal/ Island Music Ltd/ Cocteau Twins Ltd/ Sony/ ATV Music Publishing.
Names like Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, and Tim Buckley are often used together, not necessarily to describe one exact sonic style of singer, but more as incredibly passionate verbs, to identify the strong emotions evoked when listening to these late legends' sparse melodies. Swedish-based Argentinian musician José González is likely to hear those classic names a lot in his future. González received critical underground love from his 2003 debut disc Veneer, but garnered more widespread attention as a guest vocalist for downtempo group Zero 7. The singer's gentle vocals and Spanish-meets-classical guitar style make a quietly compelling match, especially so on his sophomore LP In Our Nature, easily the best work--either as a solo or contributing vocalist--that he has released to date. The track that may well attract the most new eardrums is his sparse, whisper-soft cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrop" (a.k.a., the theme song to the TV show House), but many of his own tunes are equally endearing. War and world leaders were clearly on his mind when writing this disc, from opener "How Low"--in which González sings "Invasion after invasion/This means war/Someday you'll be up to your knees/in the shit you seek"--to the flamenco-affected track, "Killing for Love." All of these poignant--and at times pointed--lyrics are surrounded in lush, yet sparse melodies that make for music that is truly praise-worthy, bordering on timeless
I've read reviews claiming "In Our Nature" is merely "Veneer Part 2" and sees Gonzalez re-hashing a winning formula. I feel these accusations are a little unjust. "Veneer" showcased such a wonderfully unique singer/songwriter sound that it would be hard and pointlessly dangerous to move too far adrift. Unfortunately the classic sophomore criticism is apparent thanks to this inimitable style; grand expectations of something new and better become rife. I feel that while the overall sound is undeniably similar, the album is in no way the same. It touches on different subjects and evokes new moods and atmospheres.
As I said earlier, "In Our Nature" provides idiosyncratic Gonzalez songs, such as "How Low" and "Killing For Love", both giving early insight that Gonzalez is not about to blow your mind with a wild direction change. However, "How Low" and the second song "Down The Line" do present a subtle progression, and one that I feel is central to "In Our Nature". "Veneer" was centred mostly on Gonzalez's personal problems - notably broken relationships. "How Low" and especially "Down The Line" are the first of many songs which see Gonzalez stepping back and viewing social dynamics; making a variety of observations, mostly cutting and ominous, but ultimately positive and hopeful, emphasised by the "Down The Line" chanting climax of "Don't let the darkness eat you up". This is continued throughout with songs such as "Killing For Love" and "Cycling Trivialities", the latter ends the album on a poignant yet sincerely depressing vibe, attacking the ultimately trivial and futile self-centred nature in himself and those around him- "So, where's this leaving me? Recycling trivialities". This culmination sees a solution to the building tensions and problems depicted throughout the album. It may be a dark and ultimately depressing solution, but in a strange way it gives a wonderful sense of completion, of almost peace within the dark resolve.
Special mention must go to the cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrop" for being the best song Gonzalez has produced. "Heartbeats" was a grand success of a cover, but for me "Teardrop" is just sublime. The original is a beautiful piece, atmospheric and moving, yet Gonzalez transcends it. This song just has to be heard. My other standout track I am yet to mention is "Fold", which showcases an irresistible main melody that completely captures me.
Overall this is another superb album from José Gonzalez, continuing his sound and style, but addressing new problems and forging new atmospheres and moods. It contains a number of songs which I feel to be his best work to date, such as the pinnacle "Teardrop", the striking "Fold" and the powerful climax of "Cycling Trivialities". Take this for what it is, not some wild new direction. Enjoy it!
Jose Gonzalez - Teardrop
live at coachella
Massive Attack cover
José González - How Low
Absolutely brilliant. The atmosphere that he's able to generate with simply his voice and guitar is extraordinary. It's hypnotic, and yet rather dark, especially when listening to what he's lyrically singing about here.
José González - Down the Line
José González - Killing For Love (Live)
This song flows like the ocean on a nice calm day. perfect..
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