Away We Go with Alexi Murdoch
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Whenever I hear the music of the unquestionably talented U.K. singer-songwriter Alexi Murdoch, I wonder if you can copyright a style. I don't think you can, but if you could, the estate of the late, beloved musician Nick Drake might have a case against Murdoch.
I used to feel that John Martyn, one of Drake's contemporaries in the early '70s, hewed a little too close to Drake's idiosyncratic sound - the muzzy vocals, elliptical lyrics and resonant mix of folk, jazz and blues. But Murdoch - an English-born, Scottish-reared fellow whose first recordings surfaced on his 2003 EP Four Songs - is even more of an audio reflection of Drake (whose big break was a way-posthumous use of his song "Pink Moon" in a VW commercial). It's all there on Murdoch's 2006 debut album Time Without Consequence - and even more in evidence on the soundtrack of "Away We Go," the latest film from lionized director Sam Mendes of "American Beauty" and "Revolutionary Road" fame.
All of that aside, Murdoch makes lovely, enveloping, soul-touching music - while Drake, hampered by that whole "died young" thing, can't. So Drake's fans, hankering for more of what they loved from their departed avatar, might want to give Murdoch a try.
As it happens, the curious can get a fine sampling of Murdoch's music by seeing "Away We Go," a light-hearted dramedy that's a bit of a departure from the dark tones infusing previous films by Mendes. Murdoch's music is a thoughtful counterpoint to the story on screen. "Away We Go," already in New York and L.A. theaters and opening wide on Friday, features John Krasinski of NBC-TV's "The Office" opposite ex-"Saturday Night Live" cast member Maya Rudolph as a loving, off-the-grid Boho couple about to have their first child, unsure of their prospects, and on a crisscross-country odyssey to find a place to put down roots. It's a little corny, but it's often funny and endearing, too; the supporting cast is just right, and Rudolph is a particular revelation as she beautifully embodies the emotional and physical turmoil of pregnancy.
For the record, the "Away We Go" soundtrack features a total of nine Murdoch songs, including three previously unreleased numbers - and some venerable cuts by Bob Dylan, George Harrison, The Velvet Underground and The Stranglers.
Thought I'd deliver a taste of Murdoch for your delectation via the studio version of "Orange Sky" on the MOG Player and a live version on video from an in-store appearance at Vinyl Fever in Tampa, Florida. Hear and see what you think.
(Wait a minute. "Orange Sky"…"Pink Moon." How could anyone think there's a correlation between Murdoch and Drake? Surely, this is a coincidental similarity. Yeah. Sure. Right. No doubt. Heh, heh.)
Comments (14)
I love when friends love friends, Mike. You're right--put it aside and enjoy Alexi's music. He's his own thing!
Glad you're posting about this talented and chill maestro Mike
I've seen him many times and he's a wonderfully intimate and literate perfromer
What could be wrong with sounding a bit like Nick Drake? So few can do it this well
My only complaint, and it should be everyone's complaint, is that he is not more prolific
He takes too much time in between records, as he must be an obsessive perfectionist
His LP includes his EP and it came years later
I want more!
you're quite right Neil. Alexi's quite a perfectionist and stuff takes quite awhile. there were various incarnations of everything you like before you heard it!
You're right, the vocal resemblance is uncanny, and the guitar sound is weirdly similar. But the song itself doesn't sound like Nick Drake ever recorded, or would. And the likenesses don't concern me in the least...
Great post. In my opinion his studio album was a let down. His EP Four Songs is timeless though and each track is so delicately done. "Consequences" lacks the soul of his EP. I mean it's still a good album and it was great to hear more of his writings, but it seemed very forced and uncomfortable to me. "Song For You" was the first song of his I heard and it's one of my favorite love songs. But as I say that all the tracks are just so solid and all are favorites. (hope you don't mind Mike)
Robin: His music really adds extra texture to "Away We Go." Didn't know you guys were acquainted, but considering your impeccable taste, it makes sense.
Neil: I haven't seen him in person as yet, but I'll be watching the listings. I know it's slow going for his fans. Reportedly, there's some more new music coming from him this year - and you can always check out the three fresh selections on the soundtrack album.
ivy: Granted. I enjoy his stuff because it's quite good, although I'd be a liar if I didn't say I get some measure of comfort from the similarities with Drake.
randomactsofsound: Thanks! And I certainly don't mind having "Song for You" on the thread. It's also in the film, and I was considering streaming it instead of "Orange Sky." Clearly, that wasn't necessary.
school ended for me today and this is sounding good with my glass of whiskey I am currently sippiing
Congrats, prof! And enjoy!
The similarity of voices is uncanny. It must have been weird the first time he heard Nick Drake, assuming he was already singing by then. I wonder if he ever felt the inclination to contact Joe Boyd for production duties?
Now that would have told the tale.
BTW, Joe is doing a bunch of "heritage " gigs this month around Nick, The String Band, and as much of the original Fairports as are alive. For the Nick one (in Birmingham), he's got the original arranger to conduct the orchestra. If only he had Alexi to sing...no, that would be ghoulish.
Goulash? Goulash is delicious. Oh. Ghoulish. Never mind.
I'm not much of a Drake fan even though I do recognize his talent & major influence over many of today's artists. I've heard of Alexi but haven't pursued checking him out but will do so, thx.
You bet, August!