The Stage Names can only enhance in 2007 what Black Sheep Boy did for Okkervil River in 2005.
This record is full of Will Sheff’s (lead singer/songwriter and only remaining original member) storytelling and imagery. Full of poetry and lyricism that are almost like musical novellas, this album illustrates Okkervil River’s ability to produce consistently interesting and well-crafted work.
The music on this record is beautiful and haunting; a fine compliment to the style of writing that Mr. Sheff has made his own. Often, the album takes a turn, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the best. However, around every corner surprises lie in wait. Perhaps it’s the casual way he speaks of subjects like flipping through his daughter’s diary, or perhaps it’s the subtle contrasts that make each song worth coming back to. Whatever it is, the passion invested in this record creates a journey for us to travel again and again-each time finding our way to be a little sweeter than the last.
The only downside to this release is that it is merely nine tracks long. While this may seem paltry, if even the smallest blemish were added, this record could move from being a “great antique-y find” to a “worthless pile” quickly. In other words, these nine songs are all that is needed.
This record takes the listener places, or maybe it’s already gone places and we’re trying to keep up. Either way, the experience is moving and removing all at once. I suspect that many will keep this in their “Top 10 of 2007″ lists.
B+
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