John Fahey
Death Chants, Breakdowns & Military Waltzes

★★★★

I admit I haven't been listening to Fahey's albums in order but I've been happy with everything so far. This album being his second, I think shows you a lot about the kind of artist he was. Not only was Fahey technically skilled but he also helped pioneer a movement that only his originality and creativity can be credited with. He pays his respects to his acoustic ancestors but has a style all his own. 

This album seems to be a bit of everything I've heard from him so far. There's songs that are a bit longer and more complex, and then he has his short but poignant pieces as well. I think I generally prefer the longer cuts, but I can't deny the power and beauty of an opener like "Sunflower River Blues". The heavy and molasses flavor of the steel-toed sheriff ballad, "Stomping Tonight on the Pennsylvania-Alabama Border" as well the playful and classically inspired duo piece "The Downfall of the Adelphi Rolling Grist Mill"; They really show the variety and blurred lines between genres that Fahey can create. 

This album is hypnotic and although the majority of it is composed of a single instrument, it still remains so lush. With sound, texture, and emotion. Songs like "America" and "John Henry Variations" are good examples of these attributes. Also as they are some of the more complex and modern sounding compositions on the album. 

There's little I bet Fahey can do that will disappoint me, and I'm excited to hear the rest. A true trailblazer like the ones before him. 

Favorite Song: John Henry Variations

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