Album Review: Langhorne Slim: Be Set Free

As with all things Langhorne Slim, I am loving this album. Be Set Free is a more mature, developed sound that should come with time. However, Langhorne Slim keeps his music on a level that allows people to access it and relate to it in their own way. Be Set Free is ballad driven and feels incredibly personal. His unique vocal style is intense and full of emotion. I have spent all weekend with this album in my car stereo as I drove all over the greater Denver area in search of a new car, friends, food, and the last show of the year at Red Rocks. Halfway through the day, I was singing along, bobbing my head, and even doing a bit of seat dancing when appropriate. Langhorne Slim has created another album that I’ll keep with my favorites.

Be Set Free starts out magnificently with the powerful Back To The Wild which appropriately sets the mood for the rest of the collection. This one carries a lot of memorable lines like I’ve had it better than some and I know I shouldn’t complain/ though my grandfather told me once that all pain hurts the same. The simple honesty is where much of Langhorne Slim’s charm lies and is sure to stick with you. Say Yes carries a misleading cheerful, simple chorus while the rest of the track carries a good deal of weight. The combination makes for an eclectic and wonderful song. The smokey, bluesy For A Little While begins with rough, edgy guitar laced with delicate piano then jumps up with Langhorne Slim’s soulful voice and percussion into this incredibly impassioned place, making it one of the stand out tracks on the record. So Glad I’m Coming Home achieves a vintage feel from the Rhodes piano. The brilliant Sam Kassirer‘s keyboards lend a lot of help in giving the album shape.

Make sure to pick up a copy of Be Set Free on September 29th. The album is available from Kemado Records on CD, LP, and MP3 here. For more on Langhorne Slim, visit him on MySpace.

Back To The Wild – Langhorne Slim