Dowd, Johnny - Temporary Shelter
Praise for »Temporary Shelter«:
A distinctly uneasy listen, it marries the volcanic intensity of his earlier work with a dark gothic heart, all ominous Eno-like soundscapes and guitar chords that hang in the air like black winter leaves.
UNCUT
It's a remarkable acheivement, weilding the full power of Dowd's fiftysomething disillusion-uneasy listening, but recommended to fans Tom Waits, Smog and Nick Cave.
The Independant
Johnny Dowd's third album, »Temporary Shelter«, is a remarkable release for both his fans and newcomers. Whereas the much-praised debut »Wrong Side Of Memphis« was about murder, sin and retribution, and »Pictures From Life's Other Side« explored the underbelly of romance, »Temporary Shelter« is about memory.
As half-remembered dreams of Johnny's life to date, these songs are filled with fear, fantasy, regret and loss. In a heartfelt, eerie fashion, Johnny explores both family history and the ultimate helplessness of unrequited love. »Temporary Shelter« is an intensely personal record that fills in some of the blank pages in the Johnny Dowd book of philosophy.Musically, Dowd has moved away from the folky lo-fi home recordings of »Wrong Side Of Memphis« and the harsh in-yer-face dynamics of »Pictures From Life's Other Side«. On »Temporary Shelter,« things have gotten much heavier indeed. Spooky dirge ballads and onslaughts of Black Sabbath-style chords are combined with genius Lee Scratch Perry-like layers of sounds. With ultra-low bass lines, played by drummer Brian Wilson on Moog bass pedals (with his feet!), this is the closest anyone has ever come to the dynamics of '70's King Tubby-style dub, without sounding anything like reggae. Dowd combines the boundless unrestrained dynamics of early Sonic Youth with powerful melodies that are sure to stick in your head like glue. »Temporary Shelter« will undoubtedly lift Johnny Dowd out of the alternative country ghetto and put the man on the map as one of the most innovative songwriters around. Hear this record once and you'll never forget it.
A distinctly uneasy listen, it marries the volcanic intensity of his earlier work with a dark gothic heart, all ominous Eno-like soundscapes and guitar chords that hang in the air like black winter leaves.
UNCUT
It's a remarkable acheivement, weilding the full power of Dowd's fiftysomething disillusion-uneasy listening, but recommended to fans Tom Waits, Smog and Nick Cave.
The Independant
Johnny Dowd's third album, »Temporary Shelter«, is a remarkable release for both his fans and newcomers. Whereas the much-praised debut »Wrong Side Of Memphis« was about murder, sin and retribution, and »Pictures From Life's Other Side« explored the underbelly of romance, »Temporary Shelter« is about memory.
As half-remembered dreams of Johnny's life to date, these songs are filled with fear, fantasy, regret and loss. In a heartfelt, eerie fashion, Johnny explores both family history and the ultimate helplessness of unrequited love. »Temporary Shelter« is an intensely personal record that fills in some of the blank pages in the Johnny Dowd book of philosophy.Musically, Dowd has moved away from the folky lo-fi home recordings of »Wrong Side Of Memphis« and the harsh in-yer-face dynamics of »Pictures From Life's Other Side«. On »Temporary Shelter,« things have gotten much heavier indeed. Spooky dirge ballads and onslaughts of Black Sabbath-style chords are combined with genius Lee Scratch Perry-like layers of sounds. With ultra-low bass lines, played by drummer Brian Wilson on Moog bass pedals (with his feet!), this is the closest anyone has ever come to the dynamics of '70's King Tubby-style dub, without sounding anything like reggae. Dowd combines the boundless unrestrained dynamics of early Sonic Youth with powerful melodies that are sure to stick in your head like glue. »Temporary Shelter« will undoubtedly lift Johnny Dowd out of the alternative country ghetto and put the man on the map as one of the most innovative songwriters around. Hear this record once and you'll never forget it.
Skrivet av Håkan Olsson
