Year In The Kingdom unravels some kind of galactic wilderness. Tillman's 6th album lyrically borders on mystic; proffering a transcendent union, an effortlessness. Strange and honest, this song cycle inhabits it's own idea-scape; one seemingly obsessed with wrestling death. These are afterlife dialogues of a mysterious future. Celestial badlands.
Unknown to just about everyone, Tillman started recording in April, tracking most of the instruments during the two week session himself. Hammered dulcimer, banjo, recorder, cymbals of varying size and wheezing air organs all feature heavily and lend YITK it's bizarre scale, conjuring tidal shifts with tiny movements. The string arrangements, performed by Jenna Conrad, as well as transposed from Tillman's sung direction, were intended to rest on chords almost counter-intuitively, bringing to bloom complex, decontextualized tones.
Most noticeable upon first listen, however, is the production itself. While most of Tillman's records evidence some shambolic home recording, YITK is undisturbed throughout. Out up front of the mix, and dry as a bone, Tillman's voice is featured in a way unlike any of his previous records.
YITK sounds liberated; it is far and away Tillman's most joyful work. Created with little input or context, it is seemingly disinterested in communicating much else than a meditation for the few who allow themselves to listen with an open heart.
In 2008, Tillman joined Seattle band of longtime friends and musical collaborators, Fleet Foxes who he'll be touring with in Europe and the US throughout July, August and September.
Tillman will then embark on a national US tour for Year In The Kingdom in September which continue throughout the Fall.
West Coast Tour Dates
Aug 19 - Downtown Brew Pub W/ Pearly Gate Music - San Luis Opbispo, CA
Aug 20 - Muddy Waters W/ Pearly Gate Music - Santa Barbara, CA
Aug 21- Echo W/ Evan Way & Big Search - Los Angeles, CA
Aug 23 - Cafe Du Nord W/ Pearly Gate Music & Moore Brothers - San Francisco, CA
Aug 24 - Crepe Place W/ Pearly Gate Music & Mariee Sioux - Santa Cruz, CA
Aug 25 - TBA - Big Sur, CA
Track Listing
Year In The Kingdom
Crosswinds
Earthly Bodies
Howling Light
Though I Have Wronged You
Age Of Man
There Is No Good In Me
Marked In The Valley
Light Of The Living
http://www.myspace.com/jtillman
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