At Bobby Long’s show last night at @joespubnyc, I tried to get at least one good shot in which his face was visible.

I took the challenge seriously.

“Sooner or later, I’ll catch him mid-hair flick…”

“…or he’ll get sick of playing with his hair in his face and use something to pull it back…”

Or not.

I swear, I didn’t see his face unobscured even once during the ninety minute set. Fortunately the music was terrific.

If you want to see Bobby’s face, I recommend sitting stage right. He parts his curtain of hair on the left. O_o

This album has all that I love about Bobby’s music. From the delicately artistic cover, understated colors on the CD itself to the simple yet elegant lyric insert, it is obvious that much thought has gone into this first creation of his. (Actually, he self released another album, this is his first with a record company.)

‘A Winter Tale’ is the first song on the album and the title track. The distortion used at the beginning is probably the ‘hardest’ he gets on the entire album. The beat moves the song forward, supported by occasional female vocals which is the only other voice to be heard besides Bobby’s on the whole album. The effect is ethereal, blending the male and female nicely.

‘Who Have You Been Loving’ is the second song on the album. Released early for fans to download, this is probably my favorite song on the album. The guitar is only slightly distorted in this song, but it lends to the overall feeling of defense in the song. ‘If you’re no better now than you have ever been, then you owe me an apology’ he croons.

‘The Bounty of Mary Jane’ is sweet, soulful and is one of the moments where his finger-picking style really stands out. I love his use of words we don’t hear that often anymore. In this song and in ‘Penance Fire Blues’ he uses suffragette.

‘In the Frost’ picks up the pace once more with insightful lyrics such as ‘and the faithful kiss their crosses but their hate still spreads the disease.’ This song differs from most of the others in that the lyrics rarely rhyme, giving the song a distinctive feel from the others.

‘Sick Man Blues’ keeps the upbeat pace going with more intricate picking. The pain of misplaced love rings through this song.

‘Penance Fire Blues’ is the song he chose to sing at the Jay Leno Show (He did a terrific job, by the way, despite the fact that his number was given much less time than originally planned- he stepped out and immediately started playing. I wasn’t sure if they would cut him off, they were running so far behind.) This song also uses unusual  wording, ‘And suffragette speakers who deny that they ever wore a dress,’ ‘rich boy playing poor.’ It continues the upbeat pace of the last few songs in a folksy, bluesy sort of way.

‘A Passing Tale’ slows the pace only slightly. A story of love lost and gone wrong, he once again uses vocabulary (*sigh*)…’and it’s cold and rancid outside. and I’m outside.’ His female counterpart joins him once more on this song, complimenting his lament.

‘Dead and Done,’ a song about a young man who has died and is reassuring his family that he’s fine, is my second favorite song. Slower than the previous songs, it takes it’s time, mixing strumming and finger picking. His one guitar and a harmonica are the only accompaniment on this song.

‘Being a Mockingbird’ has a polka type rhythm and quite frankly, I don’t understand the lyrics at all. As a result, this is my least favorite of the whole album. But I have gathered from YouTube clips that this is a fan favorite when he plays in London. There may be something I am missing.

‘Two Years Old’ is a song I am familiar with from Myspace and here it is a different version. I prefer the one from Myspace, but Hubby likes the way the music changes in the  middle of this one. This song is about World War I and a British man, so the distinctly American style of music in the middle feels out of place to me. To each his own. It’s still a good song.

‘A Stranger Song’ is also one I was unfamiliar with before buying this album. It’s slower than the previous song, but doesn’t drag. A song about love, it’s once more the end of a love affair. In keeping with the sad undertone of the song, he strums the guitar rather than the delicate finger picking. ‘A woman’s love can cause a man to spill his every flaw.’

I absolutely adore this album, as you can tell. It may have something to do with the fact that I am a big fan of Bobby Long’s, but I highly recommend the record. You can listen to some of the songs here. I think he’s going somewhere and can’t wait to see him in concert. (Yes, I have my tickets and CAN NOT WAIT!)  ‘For you my love, always for you my love….’

If you find yourself listening to an album and unable to decide exactly which song is your favorite, you know you possess something invaluable. I’ve been a fan of Bobby Long’s for a couple of years and he always manages to surprise me. Now, with his debut album, I find myself completely amazed.

To go from warm acoustic songs like Dead and Done (Currently my #1 favorite on the album), to the electric and vivid A Winter Tale, it’s something few people could pull off successfully. Bobby manages to transition from one form to another almost seamlessly.

To already established fans, this album will seem like a wonderful trip down memory lane with previously released tracks like the sweet and rich The Bounty of Mary Jane and the English-folk inspired Being a Mockingbird, both rejuvenated for the record. While newcomers will be pleasantly surprised by the raspy, swoon worthy sound of the young Brit’s raw and genuine voice singing Who Have You Been Loving, a bluesy and noteworthy addition.

One of the most unforgettable standouts on the album is the poetic, soulful ballad Two Tone Lover. A pristine piano melody, sweet background vocals, and a lively horn section complete this charming tune. “Cause I’m a two tone lover, I’ll drop a heart for the change, And the hole’s been dug in my heart, sweet darlin’, Take them down to your road, to your road, And they’ll know not to want you.”

If you’re looking for the acoustic sound we all love from Bobby, then look no further than Sick Man Blues. If you’re looking for something more upbeat, yet still has that signature modern folk style, I introduce you to In the Frost. The chorus is exceptional and will have you singing into the late night. Quickly becoming another front-runner to being my favorite is Penance Fire Blues; a rustic, country-folk inspired toe-tapping, catchy strumming song that you will definitely love.

The most sensational part of the album is the pure poetic lyrics that fill every song. Being able to listen to the captivating music while deconstructing the lyrics is just another reason why this album brings insight to life, love, and the world of music. Bobby Long is one of those artists that can make you lose yourself to the music. The album is amazing, there is no doubt about it. I’m positive we’re going to be seeing a lot more of Bobby and his music in years to come.

Album Rating: A

Buy A Winter Tale on iTunes HERE

For more Bobby Long visit his Official Website

Did you buy Bobby Long’s debut album? What is your favorite song? What did you think of the album? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

 If you have not heard Bobby Long’s music, (perhaps side tracked by the recent news of the White Stripes splitting up) then you are in for a genuine treat. Listening to Bobby’s music you can hear the timbre of so many great artists: Jeff Buckley; Tom Waits; David Gray; Leonard Cohen; Johnny Cash (!); Bob Dylan; Damien Rice; Nick Drake; Ray Lamontagne, and Bobby’s favourite – Neil Young.

Bobby’s star has risen for many years, last week appearing on the Jay Leno show. He has recently released his debut album “A Winter Tale” on ATO records, to critical acclaim in America – produced by Liam Watson, the Grammy award-winning recording engineer for the White Stripe’s album, Elephant. I urge you to download it from iTunes, or have a little preview on Spotify. The Los Angeles Times describes it as “a sound that’s redolent of many classic folk recordings as well as contemporaries like Damien Rice and Mumford & Sons.”

The first time I met Bobby was at a party in the Swedish countryside (his managers lakeside retreat) and whilst we were all sitting around the late night roaring fire a guitar appeared, and Bobby started playing (“who have you been loving?” If I remember correctly) and the 15 or so of us just sat in hushed silence, attentively listening – struck by his lyrical maturity, and diverse vocal range. At one point I asked him who wrote the song he had just played (thinking it was a single from a classic album that I had not heard), and he modestly said “oh that was one of mine”. I was impressed by his self depreciating humour, his acute modesty; and later in the week by his advanced wood chopping skills!

Bobby is often referred to in the press as one of the co-writers of that song (“Let me sign”) featured in the Twilight movie, performed by Bobby’s friend Robert Pattison. Despite his celebrity accolades, and support, Bobby’s feet stay firmly on the ground.

I particularly admired Bobby when he was performing on the London scene 2 years ago (including a residency at the Albany). When we discussed his bright future, he told me of his commitment to his academic studies – his thesis was on the impact of American Folk Music – and his admiration and love for his family. These are assets so often overlooked, but as we all know are enormously important.

The British press has an unfortunate habit of promoting artists, and then spitting them out if they become successful (Coldplay par example). In Bobby’s case I hope that he is spared this anguish, and appreciated for his diverse musical talents. Just as Drake burst onto the Global hip hop scene in 2009, Bobby will continue to gain acclaim in the folk music scene in 2011, and beyond. I predict international collaborations, Glastonbury headline slots, movies, and a career of happiness and success, without the tragedy of Jeff Buckley or Elliot Smith.

Bobby has already performed for Burberry Live, and here is a link to his myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com/bobbylong

Bobby – I will see you at the 100 club in London on 1 June 2011, if not before in NYC. We are all very proud of you back in London.

(if it ever wasn’t that is)

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