Damien Jurado fits snugly into the category of the ultra-personal singer/songwriter. His songs are filled with the minute details of serious depression that make listeners want to turn off the lights and hide under the covers until the sadness goes away. And all this makes Jurado's Ghost of David a wonderfully haunting listen for those who can brave its murky waters.
Damien Jurado
Ghost of David
Sub Pop Records
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On his last true album, Rehearsals for Departure, Ken Stringfellow of the Poises produced. That album was filled with lush string arrangements and other warm additions, which made it easier to swallow his tortured lyrics.
On Ghost of David, Jurado decided to record it from the home of co-producer Jordan Walton. This gives the album a tougher edge. Jurado's voice and his acoustic guitar dominate most songs with a piano or drums sometimes backing him up. This is an album dominated by Jurado's melancholy.
The album opens with the quiet "Medication," which even with its lyrics of "Death is upon me" is still one of the least gloomy songs on the album. Its simple beauty helps propel it.
In "Parking Lot," Jurado hands over singing duties to Rosanne Thomas, who brings a sweetness to the song that Jurado never could have.
The rest of the songs on the album fall somewhere between utter despair and quiet melancholy.
If there is a weakness to Ghost of David, it's that the melodies are not as pronounced as they were on Rehearsals for Departure. Songs on this album are beautiful and haunting but are not always an easy listen.
On "Great Today," Jurado sings, "I have the potential to be great today." These are the truest words spoken on the album and are one of the main reasons that this album is worth a listen.
