Greg Laswell

I Was Going To Be An Astronaut

2014-01-13

The title of Greg Laswell's new album is his favorite line from his track "December" and is said to reflect how the more he plans for certain things, completely different things occur organically. So while I Was Going To Be An Astronaut is a collection of remakes of older Laswell tunes, the act of covering his own songs in a way illustrates an artist coming across self-discovery through retrospect. Like most of Laswell's previous music and the original versions of the songs, the sonic atmosphere is one wrought with frequent reverb and melancholy lyrics echoing ominously (but beautifully) alongside particularly affecting minor piano chords. It might not be a departure or much of a risk at all on Laswell's part, but it's easy to get lost in the gorgeous sadness of songs like "How The Day Sounds" and "Take Everything." There isn't original material on IWGTBAA, but if you've liked Greg Laswell's career since 2003's Good Movie, there's no doubt you'll find something to relish in the re-imagining of these songs.

Recommended Tracks: #5 "How The Day Sounds", #8 "Take Everything"

Sigmund Steiger

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan
    Ballad Of The Broken Seas

  • reviewed 07/2011

    THE DEER TRACKS
    The Archer Trilogy Pt. 2

  • reviewed 02/2010

    THE VERBS
    Trip

  • reviewed 10/2008

    WINTERPILLS
    Central Chambers

  • reviewed 06/2007

    FICTION PLANE
    Left Side Of The Brain

  • reviewed 11/2014

    Jack + Eliza
    No Wonders

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.