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This is a new full length project from Mr. Burr ! It was recorded in Tehuacana, TX inside of the Texas Hall. The Texas Hall was built in the 1860's, and let's just say it's more than a bit worn. Burr chose this location as he wanted to emerge from these recordings with a distinctive and evocative work up of the ancient verses. Ancient verses you ask ? Yes, all the music is written by Burr while all of the lyrics are lifted directly from the Psalms. This is an extremely interesting project. The Shawl has beautiful artwork, beautiful sounds, beautiful lyrics, an all star cast, gospel choir section and a lot of heart. Paste Magazine had this to say : "The best track on the Doug Burr record is the one you listened to last".
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This is truly moving music that falls somewhere between the moodier side of Wilco and the folkier side of Sufjan Stevens. With an incredibly evocative mix, sometimes recalling Daniel Lanois, every element of the arrangements here are purposefully placed and effected to the perfect amount. Not that the music steals the show - Burr's clear, strong vocals go from whisper soft to loud and upfront, not too dissimilar from David Gray, and he sings with such conviction, you can tell he believes what he's singing about. With lyrics taken directly from the Psalms, it's hard to argue with poetry that's thousands of years old, but what really takes this album away is the gorgeous production value and stirring melodies Burr gives us. For moody, folky music from a Biblical perspective, this is pretty much as good as it gets; let's hope that other acoustic Christian artists follow Burr's example of great production, original melodies, and timeless lyrics. Read more...