I'm straying a bit from the topic of this blog to examine the latest album release of a certain Mr. Lyle Lovett. Perhaps I'm not too far afield, as Mr. Lovett has acted in several films and provided music for many more. Regardless, such a talent deserves to be reflected upon, and this is as good a place as any.This is an important release for Lovett, arriving 11 years after what I consider his best work, The Road to Ensenada. His output since then has been spotty — a live album, a collection of covers, a soundtrack and, in 2003, the album I consider his worst... My Baby Don't Tolerate. That work had the sheen and musicianship he's known for, but the songs were standard country rock numbers that felt like they could have been written by anyone.
So would this be a return to form, or another disappointment?
The short answer: It's a return to fom. But I've never been one for short answers. So here's a track-by-track breakdown of Lovett's latest opus.
1. Tickle Toe
In general, the songs on this album feel like songs on Lovett's previous albums, particularly his back-to-back classics Lyle Lovett and His Large Band and Joshua Judges Ruth. This track, a bouncy jazz number, is reminiscent of 'The Blues Walk,' which opened Large Band. It's a great way to kick off an album that harkens back to that earlier sound.
2. I Will Rise Up/Ain't No More Cain
In a way, I think it was a mistake to put this song right up front, because it's one of the most powerful and involving tracks Lovett has ever recorded. It starts slow, with an acoustic guitar and haunting vocals, before exploding into a gospel chorus as memorable as anything he's written. The band is in full swing here, but oddly it's one of the only tracks on the album that really uses them like this.
3. All Downhill
A splendid, fun country rocker with funny lyrics and Lovett's usual wry delivery. "I've been good and I've been bad / Mostly I've been bad"
4. Don't Cry a Tear
This feels a lot like 'She's Already Made Up Her Mind' on Joshua... the same atmospheric background and ominous vocals. Stunning acoustic guitar work, and another album highlight.
5. South Texas Girl
Along with 'I Will Rise Up,' this song ranks right up there with Lovett's best work. It's bookended with an old-timey performance of the chorus which drives home what an instant classic this is. My favorite line: "Now these days with car seats and open container laws / Social correctness leaves no room for Santa Claus." Unfortunately the album peaks here after only five songs, which is not to say in any way that the rest is disappointing — just that the standout tracks come early.
6. This Traveling Around
A lovely melody, though the lyric is quite simple. It's a mood setter. Some quick Googling confirmed something I suspected, which is that Lovett is a fan of and sometime collaborator with Lucinda Williams. Some of the songs on this album remind me of her recent work.
7. Up In Indiana
This one hasn't left a very strong impression on me after a few listens. It's more country than most songs on the album and it's certainly a fun listen, but it doesn't resonate like the tunes surrounding it. Which makes it a strange choice for a reprise — the final track is an "acoustic" version of the song that doesn't seem a whole lot different from this one to my ear.
8. The Alley Song
Lovely little tune that reminds me of 'Nobody Knows Me' from Large Band. I was surprised to learn from the liner notes that this song was written way back in 1980.
9. No Big Deal
My fourth favorite track on the album (for now). Very reminiscent of 'Good Intentions,' again from Large Band, though it was apparently written before that classic tune. The band is in fine form here, with fiddle and piano interplay I could listen to for hours.
10. Make It Happy
It sure sounds great, but I don't have a lot of patience for this song in general. It's sort of a cross between 'Penguins' and 'She's Hot to Go' but not as fun as either of those tracks. It is the track that best uses the full band, though, after 'I Will Rise Up.' So for that it earns some points.
11. Ain't No More Cane
A haunting and majestic performance of an old gospel classic. My fifth favorite performance here, and a stunning finale (I don't count the reprise of 'Up In Indiana' as part of the album proper). I love how all the singers get a turn at a verse — Lovett has always been a generous bandleader, and his music is so much the better for it.
Conclusion:
So, after just a few listens, I feel It's Not Big It's Large has already earned a spot alongside the dynamic duo — Lyle Lovett and His Large Band and Joshua Judges Ruth. It doesn't reach the heights of The Road to Ensenada (few albums do) but it's a work of art and a return to the Lyle Lovett I adore. Let's hear it for the long tall Texan!
