J. Tillman - Minor Works Review by Aaron H.

I know this record came out a little while ago, but it was recently released on iTunes (FINALLY), and that's where I tend to get my music.

I had the chance to see J. Tillman live in Denton, Texas with Rocky Votolato and Damien Jurado a couple of years ago. I hadn't heard Tillman until that night, and I loved how sincere and rough his songs were. I immediately bought his record "Long May You Run, J. Tillman" at the merch table. I enjoyed the album, but it was a little too quiet. It was the perfect late night album, but it was hard to hear in the car.

Tillman's raspy voice (with Richard Buckner-esque inflections) is laced with heartache and desperation. Fans of Ryan Adams, Nick Drake and Damien Jurado should be right on board for this new-er record.

Take "Long May You Run" and add some volume, a backing band, organ, pedal steel and a dash of devastation, and you have "Minor Works". It's a record that gets better with every spin.

Some notable tracks include Jesse's Not A Sleeper, which has an Alt-Country feel, but isn't overly Nashville; Restlessness is nice and depressing (in a good way); and Now You're Among Strangers is beautifully orchestrated with simple guitar chords, harmonica and heartbreaking vocals.

Since I saw him play in 2006, Tillman has toured with acts like Denison Witmer and David Bazan (two of my all-time favorites) on separate tours. I think it's safe to say, his future looks pretty good.

Rating: 8/10

Download: Jesse's Not A Sleeper, Crooked Roof, Restlessness

(Aaron H. is one of the creators of DFR and reviews music, movies, and whatever the hell else he wants to)