[rating=9.00]
From the opening strum of “Life Is Confusing,” it’s clear that Langhorne Slim is on to something special here with Lost at Last Vol. 1. That “something” becomes more evident as his new album progresses, seamlessly segueing from one song to another, a song cycle of sorts that explores Slim’s contention, as stated in his liner notes, that we should not hold to the traditional dictates that define success or failure, but rather leave ourselves open to what life has to offer.
“Let’s fall in love with our telephone off,” he sings on “Never Break,” summing up these sentiments overall… that is, that it’s not our material accouterments that define us, but rather instead, our way of accepting what the world has to offer. It is, as he states so succinctly in the inner fold-out, the need to “break our hears until they open. Never close, never break and never fall for the great scam…Getting lost is the cost of being free.”
With Lost At Last Vol. 1, Slim dusts off some back porch rambles and make that case with unabashed exhortation and exhilaration. Langhorne’s penchant for hewing classic templates and turning them into honest and emotional narratives is fully vetted and focused, and here he lets loose with a sound as celebratory as it is straightforward. Consequently, these songs find an instant connection, and as the set progresses, they all but challenge the listener not to sing right along. It’s all but impossible not to get caught up in the exaltation that accompanies “Life Is Confusing,” “Ocean City,” Bluebird,” “Zombie,” and “Funny Feelin’,” but in truth there’s not a moment here that doesn’t affirm, inspire and offer an open-handed invitation to simply follow one’s natural instincts and give in to the joy that’s there for the offering.
Some may dismiss such ramblings as hippie-dippy platitudes, nuanced naivete or simply unfounded optimism. Perhaps it is. This can be a cynical and unforgiving world. And yet, if art and music are intended to lift us up, to point the way to a greater purpose, then Langhorne Slim has succeeded as few of his contemporaries can claim to. The arrangements are simple and straightforward — no elaborate embellishments here — but the message is always clear. Engage and enjoy. Personally, I can’t wait for Vol. 2.
