Fading Trails

by Magnolia Electric Co.

Overview

On Magnolia Electric Co's third album, the group takes things down a notch, not in quality but in distortion and intensity. The result is Fading Trails, a more intimate and thoughtful album that could serve as the soundtrack to the more bittersweet moments of a Western film. This could be in part because much of the guitar work and, on occasion, Jason Molina's vocals are incredibly reminiscent of Neil Young, who was the solo soundtrack to film noir Western Dead Man ("Don't Fade on Me" being the best example). The song sees a heavy drum beat take the forefront at times, and occasionally the ringing of a pedal steel, both of which give way to an onslaught of Young-esque solos. "Montgomery" is similar, though Molina's distressed vocals are at their most weary. Fading Trails is beauty in sadness, the melancholy tone of the music couldn't change even if Molina were singing about rainbows and puppies. The majority of songs incorporate multiple instruments to one extent or another, but a few tunes are bleak solos made up of Molina's detached vocals and either a piano or an acoustic guitar. Fading Trails is a much more quiet and reserved album than either Trials & Errorsor What Comes After the Blues and at times lacks the intrigue of the two previous releases, but it's definitely not an album to overlook. What the cathartic Fading Trails might lack in foot-tapping motivation, it makes up for in passion and honesty and is highly recommended for those who like to dig a little deeper for albums that get better each time they are played. ~ Megan Frye

Product Details

Release Date:	09/12/2006
Label:	Secretly Canadian
UPC:	0656605012018
Rank:	37022

Tracks

1. Don't Fade on Me
2. Montgomery
3. Lonesome Valley
4. A Little at a Time
5. The Old Horizon
6. Memphis Moon
7. Talk to Me Devil, Again
8. Spanish Moon Fall & Rise

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Magnolia Electric Co.   Primary Artist
Andrew Bird   Guest Artist
Rick Alverson   Guest Artist
Jonathan Cargill   Guest Artist
Molly Blackbird   Guest Artist

Technical Credits

Steve Albini   Mixing,Engineer
Miguel Urbiztondo   Performer
Greg Norman   Mixing,Assistant
Mark Rice   Performer
Nick Webb   Mastering
Mike Brenner   Performer
Pete Schreiner   Performer
James Lott   Engineer
Jason Groth   Performer
David Lowery   Producer,Performer
Alan Weatherhead   Mixing,Engineer,Performer
Jason Molina   Engineer,Performer
Henry H. Owings   Cover Design,Art Direction
Doug Van Sloun   Mastering