Willy Mason – Carry On (22/04/2013)
Willy Mason’s latest release “Carry On” is a refreshing antiquity fused with the fresher elements of modern music. The ‘twang’ of multiple guitars and the voice of a deep crooner are not unknown to any music fan and “Carry On” is no exception to this stereotype.
Yet, Mason’s dulcet voice is a peaceful addition to any music collection, he works inside his own style but spices his tracks with modern ingredients. Instead of hiding in his genre’s shell like many other artists of a similar standing, Mason adds his own soft electronic beats to the mix in many tracks throughout “Carry On”.
“Painted Glass” and “What is this” are just two of the songs that feature samplings and both are stand out clearly on the album. It is this simple addition to his sound that sets Mason apart from other acoustic artists and gives him a memorable edge.
But, a major part of his music rides on his artistic lyrical ability. Mason’s lyrics harbor certain honesty and fear that seem to clasp very tenaciously to human fragility and leaves any listener pensive to say the least. Title track “Carry On” is a shining example of his ability to craft a poetic tune, it makes us feel inspired to ‘keep-on-truckin’ but acknowledges the hardships in all our lives.
The album as a whole is quite placid. It’s like a Labrador, it’ll sit by you and comfort you when you need it but it’s just a little tired to play with you and get you up and about everyday.
But that’s ok, because that’s not the point. We love it because of what it is not because of what it isn’t. “Carry On” isn’t trying to be anything other than it’s own character in a sea of artists and does it with a certain class and beauty that can accompany you on your most deep of days. Willy Mason proves himself to be again, an artist for the artists.
Jack White
Yet, Mason’s dulcet voice is a peaceful addition to any music collection, he works inside his own style but spices his tracks with modern ingredients. Instead of hiding in his genre’s shell like many other artists of a similar standing, Mason adds his own soft electronic beats to the mix in many tracks throughout “Carry On”.
“Painted Glass” and “What is this” are just two of the songs that feature samplings and both are stand out clearly on the album. It is this simple addition to his sound that sets Mason apart from other acoustic artists and gives him a memorable edge.
But, a major part of his music rides on his artistic lyrical ability. Mason’s lyrics harbor certain honesty and fear that seem to clasp very tenaciously to human fragility and leaves any listener pensive to say the least. Title track “Carry On” is a shining example of his ability to craft a poetic tune, it makes us feel inspired to ‘keep-on-truckin’ but acknowledges the hardships in all our lives.
The album as a whole is quite placid. It’s like a Labrador, it’ll sit by you and comfort you when you need it but it’s just a little tired to play with you and get you up and about everyday.
But that’s ok, because that’s not the point. We love it because of what it is not because of what it isn’t. “Carry On” isn’t trying to be anything other than it’s own character in a sea of artists and does it with a certain class and beauty that can accompany you on your most deep of days. Willy Mason proves himself to be again, an artist for the artists.
Jack White