next up is a truly remarkable et arresting track, Wilhelm Scream from British electronic composer/bedroom pop artist James Blake off his just released self titled debut album "James Blake" (2011).
Wilhelm Scream is innovative, spacious, deconstructed 90s R&B, this is an incredibly unique et sincere pop song. Blake continues to process variations of the same lyrics/thoughts over et over again, his heartfelt, soulful crooning is emotionally arresting, vulnerable, full of self-doubt, he is searching desperately for some meaning in his life, a reason to keep on living. the subtle shifting atmospheric synths et intricate instrumentation reflect Blake's agitated state-of-mind, mid-way into the track the music builds, growing more intense, chaotic, distorted et hallucinatory, washing out his lyrics, echoing Blake's anxiety, he is beginning to lose grip of reality, yet he keeps hanging on to the same words, repeating them like a mantra, still searching for something or someone to live for.
the chaotic soundscape cuts out, the storm has passed, we are once again left alone with Blake's soulful vocals, a mournful organ et a drum machine pounds away, evoking a heartbeat, it too cuts out dramatically, leaving us with Blake's exposed, weary et disillusioned voice as he habitually resolves:
"all that I know is / I'm fallin' / fallin' / fallin' /
fallin' / might as well falln'."
MP3: Wilhelm Scream
et here is a bonus track for those who haven't yet heard Blake's stunning Feist cover on the album.
MP3: Limit To Your Love
here is the brilliant performance video for Wilhelm Scream directed by Alexander Brown.
the James Blake S/T album is available now, online from itunes, i would highly recommend getting hold of the "Klavierwerke" EP (2010) also.
check out James Blake here: mysapce | last.fm | jamesblakemusic
Love this song. Haunting and soulful.
ReplyDeleteI heard it for the first time on the HBO series "Togetherness" (awesome first series) paired beautifully with an intense scene of a married woman's struggle with faithfulness.
I couldn't agree more with your comments about this song. Thank you!