Richard Buckner - Since download free

SAN FRANCISCO'S BEST kept secret is Richard Buckner, the veritable singer-songwriting force who writes virulent tales of love and loss imbued deeply on multiple levels beginning and ending with his dactyl lyriconics. A competent acoustic guitarist in his own right, Buckner's third and best album "Since" aptly washes away the country genre label that's been tattooed on his forehead since the release of '97s "Devotion and Doubt." The Rock is provided by John David Foster on guitar - the Roll by indie-rock greats John McEntire (drums, percussion - making good on the promise as one of the best); David Grubbs (piano, harmonium, organ) and Eric Heywood (pedal steel guitar). Songs like "Jewelbomb," "Goner w/Souvenir" and "Coursed" bring to light the influence Jay Farrar had on him while touring with SON VOLT. So much so that Heywood switched teams. On "Lucky Buzz" Grubbs plays the harmonium to perfection (embellishing critical minimal-piano and decaying notes throughout) while Buckner's lyrics cut out little pieces of my heart like cancer. "Hand @ The Hem" is how drums are supposed to usher in a song. Thankfully Buckner provides a lyric sheet and after the first few sentences it becomes quite clear this is no ordinary writer. The power of his harmonious voice and the weight of his words make "Since" a classic. Too few artists today work on this level.