Manic Revelations [180-Gram Clear Blue Vinyl] [LP]

by Pokey LaFarge

Overview

At the end of Manic Revelations, Pokey LaFarge sings "I will never change" -- a sentiment that he's spent the entirety of his sixth studio set disproving. Ditching the old-timey routine that's been his stock in trade since 2008, LaFarge embraces the open-hearted soul of the '60s, a sound that's nearly as retro as the pre-WWII folk, country, and jazz that populated his earlier albums. The shift in sound was propelled by his outrage over the 2014 riots in Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of his hometown of St. Louis. Tying this political unrest to the civil rights movement of the '60s, the musician decided a revival of classic soul was the best vehicle for his message. Manic Revelations does benefit from its hopping swing and full-blooded horn section, which gives the record a considerable kinetic kick. LaFarge's reedy voice can sometimes produce a wave of cognitive dissonance -- he's still singing like he's supporting himself with a banjo -- but there are also moments where the two aesthetics merge seamlessly. With its muted trumpet wails and spooky Cab Calloway shuffle, "Mother Nature" walks a fine line between prohibition and juke joint blues, while "Good Luck Charm" is a jaunty folk number punched up by the horn section. Such hybrids speak to LaFarge's musical invention, but don't forget that, at its heart, Manic Revelations is a protest album. He may evoke old sounds but all his songs are about the present, and that means Manic Revelations isn't a stylistic exercise: it's compelling commentary. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	05/19/2017
Label:	Rounder
UPC:	0888072024311
Rank:	43498

Tracks

1. Riot in the Streets
2. Must Be a Reason
3. Better Man Than Me
4. Bad Dreams
5. Mother Nature
6. Silent Movie
7. Good Luck Charm
8. Going to the Country
9. Wellington
10. I Will Never Change

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Pokey LaFarge   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar (Rhythm)
Alec Spiegelman   Tuba,Flute,Organ,Piano,Clarinet,Sax (Tenor),Vocal Harmony,Sax (Baritone),Vocals (Background)
Dave Palmer   Piano
David Beeman   Organ,Stylophone,Tambourine,Guitar (Rhythm)
Matt Meyer   Drums,Percussion
Adam Hoskins   Vibraphone,Guitar (Rhythm),Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Joey Glynn   Bass (Upright),Bass (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Ryan Koenig   Guitjo,Harmonica,Vocal Harmony,Guitar (Electric)
Kellie Everett   Sax (Tenor)
Luc Klein   Piano,Trumpet,Euphonium,Glockenspiel,Vocal Harmony,Vocals (Background)
Will Godfred   Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Alec Spiegelman   Producer
Dave Cooley   Mastering
Tony Hoffer   Mixing,Producer
Chris Seefried   Composer
David Beeman   Engineer,Producer
Matt Meyer   Producer
Pokey LaFarge   Composer,Producer
Adam Hoskins   Composer,Producer
Joey Glynn   Producer
Ben Majchrzak   Engineer
Ryan Koenig   Producer
Nate Burrell   Photography
Luc Klein   Composer,Producer
Will Godfred   Engineer