speed of dark

J. Tillman's latest release Cancer and Delirium offers no big breakthroughs or surprises over last year's Minor Works, which was my fourth favorite album of 2006. It does, however, continue in the same less-is-more tone that made the previous album such a standout, without any song seeming like a repeat or a another version of something he's done before.

One thing I hope never changes about Tillman's songs is that feeling that he is very, very close, whispering the words almost right in your ear. It provides a rarely-found feeling of intimacy.A definite improvement is the inclusion of a lyric sheet! And right now I wish I could find the damn thing. It has somehow managed to bail from my messy desk.

Cancer and Delirium, with a couple of notable exceptions, tends more to the lo-fi solo style of Tillman's earlier works rather than the fuller sound of some of the songs on Minor Works where members of Siberian accompanied him. I think if I were introducing someone to Tillman, I'd give them Minor Works to start with, and follow up with Cancer and Delirium.

Another reviewer wrote that this is a winter album. I think of it as a sunny afternoon album. Whatever season, these songs sound best when you can sit down, close your eyes, focus on the words and the emotions coming through them, and let them slowly warm your soul.

"Milk White Air" is as delicate as lace, and "Evans and Falls," set to simple guitar and what sounds like a child's metal xylophone, reveals depths of tenderness toward his mother: "I couldn't believe/Next thing I saw/She was outside/In only a bathrobe and scarf/My mother took sway of my heart." "If I Get to the Borderline" is no less impressive, and "Under the Sun" has a big, blue-sky feel--I just don't get what the siren is doing there.

I love how the band stays so restrained during "Ribbons of Glass" and "When I Light Your Darkened Door." They provide just the right touch of drama without destroying that intimacy that is one of Tillman's greatest strengths. Usually a wall of noise just covers up having nothing to say, which does not apply here.

The album concludes with "How Much Mystery," which is worth the price of the CDin my opinion. Just amazingly beautiful. Now, if I could only hear it live, but Tillman is again on tour in Europe. J, please come and play in the States.

Milk White Air
When I Light Your Darkened Door
Under the Sun

MySpace
Stream the album and purchase at Yer Bird Records or at Sonic Boom Records
Outside the U.S., buy at Fargo Store
Also at Fargo: double rerelease of I Will Return/Long May You Run, J. Tillman
Previous posts about J. Tillman: Letter to J. Tillman, Favorites of 2006