Many seem to find it difficult to write a review of LaFarge without using the words retro, nostalgia or any derivatives of the two. He stands sufficiently outside of the mainstream (whatever that is) to force listeners to readjust their approach. In doing so, there is a danger we lump him in with the growing trend for plundering the past for the sake of difference, rather than emulating it for the sake of the song. LaFarge is most definitely in the latter category; his music isn’t affectation, it’s a choice, one strengthened by lifestyle rather than a PR company.
Recently, Rolling Stone quoted LaFarge as saying the Americans have no identity anymore; that ‘things move so fast and change so quickly. Some things you look and say ‘That’s 40s or 50s’, but what can you say is 2015? You can’t.’ Whether he’s right or wrong (he’s right, by the way), it’s an acute observation in an era when how you are labelled can make or break you. Authenticity is clearly important to LaFarge, but not overtly so, and there are no such worries with the content of Something In The Water, his sixth studio album. Cleverly arranged so that the wash of pre-rock ‘n’ roll styles hold together like squares on your momma’s quilt, the songs move from playful to poignant without drawing breath. So we get the Bugsy bar room, pin-stripe swing of Wanna Be Your Man and closer Knockin’ The Dust Off The Rust Belt Tonight, sharp brass underpinned by tuba and upright piano, both guaranteed to have you hitting the dancefloor, but balanced by the folk troubadour ballad of Far Away with its soothing backing vocal and railroad wistfulness.
No such worries with the content of Something In The Water, his sixth studio album. Cleverly arranged so that the wash of pre-rock ‘n’ roll styles hold together like squares on your momma’s quilt, the songs move from playful to poignant without drawing breath. So we get the Bugsy bar room, pin-stripe swing of Wanna Be Your Man and closer Knockin’ The Dust Off The Rust Belt Tonight, sharp brass underpinned by tuba and upright piano, both guaranteed to have you hitting the dancefloor, but balanced by the folk troubadour ballad of Far Away with its soothing backing vocal and railroad wistfulness.
Elsewhere, Cairo, Illinois dreams of Saturday nights where the beer is cold and the music (with a wonderful mouth organ lead) helps you to forget. The Spark’s percussive hop conjures images of milk bars and bobby socks. Actin’ A Fool’s walking bass line and banjo lead must kill live. LaFarge’s voice is highly expressive and he knows his way around the notes, playing with the natural vibrato of his voice to accentuate key lines without falling into parody. When Did You Leave Heaven, better known as a Big Bill Broonzy number, is a great example, his voice understated and gentle.
What Something In The Water proves is that the music and roots of the last American century are as relevant today as they were when Guthrie rode the rails and Chicago Blues, Western Swing and Ragtime were the only soundtrack oiling the gears of the nation’s radio stations. Performed with conviction, full of great songs, Something In The Water has truth running through it like a paddle-steamer winding down the Mississippi. A million miles from pastiche, then; a man and an album out of time.
Review by: Paul Woodgate
Out Now via Decca
Order via Amazon