Monday, September 2, 2013

Long Night Moon Album Review

Love at first listen.  Heart-wrenching, longing, sadness.  These words do not even begin to describe Reckless Kelly's new album, "Long Night Moon."  From the first notes of the title track to the last "Idaho," listeners will be spellbound.  The common theme running through this record is that of traveling, lost love, and perhaps a bit of weariness on a traveling musician.




Many artists who have been on the scene as long as Reckless Kelly tend to make the same record over and over again.  Not the case here.  Every album RK releases has a unique sound, none sounding like the others.  This album is a study in subtlety, much more so than their previous records.  Reckless Kelly is David Abeyta (lead guitars), Cody Braun (fiddle, mandolin, guitars, vocals), Willy Braun (lead vocals, guitars, harmonica), Joe Miller (bass, bass guitar), and Jay Nazz (drums).  The instruments are a little more toned down from previous albums, letting lead singer/songwriter Willy Braun's warm, rich vocal shine through.


The album's title track "Long Night Moon" is a lush yet agonizing ballad sung with such conviction, it takes the listener on a trip to another world.  "...And I wonder why I keep torturing my soul beneath this urban sky...but in my mind I know I'll be home soon...surrounded by the Winter....beneath the long night moon..." With such a stunning opening song, a person wonders how the rest of the album can be any better, but every song here is a gem.


"Real Cool Hand," Every Step Of The Way," and "I Can't Stand It" are mid to up tempo rockers, having the classic Reckless sound.  "Every Step Of The Way" snarls its way through almost 4 minutes of hard-driving guitars and harmonica.  "The Girl I Knew" is a gorgeous mid-tempo shuffle that I have on repeat and has hit single written all over it, "Well I don't talk much to strangers...'cause there's no good news anymore...But you sure seemed glad to see me when you knocked on my front door..."  Addictive lyrics and a bouncy chorus I can't get out of my head.


The ballads take center stage on "Long Night Moon," every one leaving a person to wonder how music can be this breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time.  Each song paints a vivid picture of crumbling relationships, saying goodbye, and an ode to the beautiful state of Idaho and home.


"Irish Goodbye" is a lovely, meandering tune that takes the listener to the Emerald Isle with a torturing sadness, "...Don't say goodnight, just turn out the lights...Irish goodbye..."  This may be RK's saddest song to date but also one of their finest.



"The Last Goodbye" is the lead off single from the album and it's a moody, bitter tune about letting go again, after several goodbyes.  Willy Braun's vocal is almost haunting at times as the song rolls along, a weariness, "...The last goodbye really had me going...pulling my strings all the while knowing...you weren't leaving anytime soon...The last goodbye really had me running hot...You turned me into something I was not...You were determined to make me your fool..."  The song is currently climbing the Texas Music Chart and I predict a #1.

Never a band to shy away from social and political issues, "Be My Friend (In Real Life)" is an anti-social media anthem that many of us could take advice from.  In this technologically-advanced age where most of us communicate in every manner except the telephone and handwritten letters, the singer is simply saying, "...Put down your devices and live your life...Won't you be my friend in real life..."  A strong message driven home with a foreboding drumbeat.


"Didn't Mean To Break Your Heart" is the most exquisite song in the collection.  The play on words is impressive, short, and sweet.  Metaphors abound on this song, the engaging lyrics dance around the harmonica and fiddle.  The instruments accompany the vocal perfectly, never overpowering the sublime delivery of the lyrics.


No RK album is complete without a few road songs, which also happens to be one of my favorite subjects.  "The Only Home I've Ever Known" is a delightful fiddle-driven shuffle.  I can't say enough about the lyrics found on LMN, every song was written by Willy Braun; the songwriting becomes more brilliant with every album.  "...Surrounded by my fears and tortured by the miles...Drowned out by the cheers and all those empty highs..."  This is an exceptional song about a road-weary musician, another highlight on LMN.


A short but lovely instrumental reprise of the title track preludes into the album's closer, "Idaho."  It is the most splendid song I have ever heard dedicated to a state and a place where the Braun brothers hail from.  It is simply beautiful, like the state itself.  The song isn't just a nod to a home state, it's about being home, around the things and people you love, a feeling of being content.  We always leave home but there's a piece of it we keep in our hearts, no matter where we roam.


I highly recommend buying the physical CD.  Not only are lyrics included, but a fun, celestial game with a little light is included and it glows in the dark.  This is something RK has been doing for awhile with their albums.  Downloading provides instant gratification but possessing the actual CD is a lot more satisfying in the long run.


On September 3rd, find yourself running to the closest record store to buy the best album of the year.  This is what real music sounds like.



9 comments:

  1. A simply amazing record! Listened to it all the way back to Idaho from the SLC show.
    Dennis Rigby,ID

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    1. It is! Thanks for reading my review. I just saw them in Challis at the Braun Brothers Reunion.

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  2. I really liked this review, though, upon my first listen, I was not impressed with this record (Easy now, I've grown to love it over multiple plays). As a fan since ought-two, I've had the privilege of getting to know the guys, and have seen them close to 100 times over the years. Now that I live in NY, I dont get to see them as often, so my collection of RK discs/downloads/mp3's have to suffice. This record stacks up there with my favorites (WTR and UTTAATS). Abeyta's playing is his signature, I can pick out his talents whenever I hear a lick. Cody keeps everything moving, Jazz is the backbone, and Willy's voice has aged to rival the best. His lyrics are better than most can write, and I've often wondered (and gotten pissed about) why RK isnt a bigger band! As much as I'd like them to have as much success as I'm sure they've dreamed of, in a selfish way, I'm glad they arent bigger. Even though they keep getting better. Great record, and great review. I'm glad I found this.
    -Mike, aka: stogie

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. Hey, no hard feelings, sometimes it takes me awhile to warm up to an album. That's amazing you've seen them nearly 100 times! I've only seen them twice, so far. You live in an area where not very many Red Dirt/Americana artists tour, they don't come to Wyoming, either, so I feel your pain. I have to travel quite far to see any concert. I'm impressed you can pick out David Abeyta's guitar playing, that's unreal. I agree with Willy's voice, it just seems to get richer as the years go by. You certainly know it's him when he comes on. I agree, I don't know why RK isn't more famous but it's because they won't conform to mainstream country. And I'm with you, I'm almost glad they're not bigger, because those of us hardcore fans get to keep the awesomeness to ourselves. Thanks again for reading my review.

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  3. I got this album solely based off your review. Outside of the songs Crazy Eddie and Wicked Twisted Road, Bulletproof was the only album of theirs I loved. Until now. This album is amazing! Thank you!! I have to ask a favor though. I can't figure out the second line of the second verse of Every Step of the Way to save my life. Please help! Apparently no one else can either because I couldn't find the lyrics anywhere lol. Again though, thanks for writing a great review. Your passion inspired me to check it out and I can't thank you enough for that.

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    1. Oops, sorry. Second line of the chorus.

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  4. Wow, thank you for your kind words of my review. I'm certainly glad you found this new album, it's truly a masterpiece. The 2nd line of the chorus of "Every Step Of The Way" goes like this: "...And I can tell not every walk down easy street will land you on your feet alive & well...You never know just where the road is gonna lead you at the end of the day..." If you ever get to see RK live, go! They are phenomenal in concert. I do love all of RK's albums, but this one does hold a special place in my heart.

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  5. Thank you! For the life of me I couldn't figure that out. I saw RK years ago at CalfFry in Stillwater but was drunk and barely paid attention to them. I wish I had now. I'll have to see them again one of these days. Thanks again for leading me to the album and huge thanks for the lyrical help. After reading how great the packaging for the album is, I wish I had gotten a physical copy instead of the digital. It sounds awesome. And I woulda known what he was saying lol. Thanks again.

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    1. You're most welcome! If you ever get the chance to go to the Braun Brothers Reunion in Challis, ID, I highly recommend it. RK is one of the best live bands you will ever see, as well as their brothers, Micky & The Motorcars. No problem on the lyrical help. The physical copy is an absolutely beautiful work of art. There are hidden messages on the glow in the dark packaging, definitely something to think about buying if you go to a show & do a meet & greet.

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