Gregory Robson
09/23/09, 05:54 AM
Derek Webb - Stockholm Syndrome
Record Label: INO Records
Release Date: Sept. 1, 2009
It is nearly impossible to sum up singer/songwriter Derek Webb in just a few brief paragraphs. One of the founding members of Houston, TX's Caedmon's Call, the Nashville-based musician has crafted four studio records, one split EP with his wife Sandra McCracken, two b-side discs and a DVD, as well as co-founding influential music Web site NoiseTrade.com. Of his eight-piece discography, few albums have been as widely revered as his last three, most notably 2007's The Ringing Bell.
His latest offering, Stockholm Syndrome, builds on the momentum from The Ringing Bell, but goes a little deeper. Initially slated to be released in the spring, Webb's label INO Records balked at releasing it after the song "What Matter More," was deemed too controversial for the label to release. After months of retooling, Webb agreed to sell the original version with "What Matters More," exclusively on his Web site, allowing the commercial release to hit shelves in September. This review highlights the latter.
A focused study in laptop programming, synths and old school R and B, Stockholm Syndrome is a focused, determined work of artistic brilliance. Webb's tender vocals and uplifting lyrics have always been his calling card, but on Stockholm Syndrome they seem to probe a little deeper. Not one to shy away from wry observation, Webb is firmly comfortable pushing boundaries and limits when needed. The sexual nature of "I Love You/Hate You," seems a bit suggestive for a self-described Christian artist, and the biting candor of the title track, reveal that the Texan is content to say it as it is.
While Stockholm Syndrome falls off in places, and very little of the disc seems at all similar to the acoustic-based songwriter of 2003's She Must and Shall Go Free, there's a confidence and swagger at work here that's hard to dismiss. The vocal croon of "Becoming a Slave," and the anti-Fred Phelps anthem, "Freddie, Please," are the sign of a surefire talent firmly stepping into his comfort zone and making an album that's sure to inspire its listeners. The hip-hop infused "Cobra Con," is undeniably splashy, while the seething anger of "The State," and "The Proverbial Gun," are certain to ignite some passionate discussion. And perhaps that's what's best about Webb. Whereas most singer/songwriters are content to play it safe, he seems unwilling to bow to the powers that be. Self-assured, deeply divine and incredibly determined, he is a refreshing presence on the singer/songwriter circuit. Already hailed by Paste Magazine on more than one occasion, he's more than worth the listen.
1. Opening Credits (1:32)
2. Black Eye (2:54)
3. Cobra Con (2:59)
4. Freddie, Please (3:52)
5. The Spirit Vs. The Kick Drum (3:08)
6. The State (4:30)
7. The Proverbial Gun (3:43)
8. I Love/Hate You (5:02)
9. Becoming A Slave (5:22)
10. Jena & Jimmy (3:25)
11. Heaven (4:27)
12. What You Give Up To Get It (3:15)
13. American Flag Umbrella (4:35)
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/derekwebb)
Website (http://www.derekwebb.com)
Wilco's A Ghost is Born
Record Label: INO Records
Release Date: Sept. 1, 2009
It is nearly impossible to sum up singer/songwriter Derek Webb in just a few brief paragraphs. One of the founding members of Houston, TX's Caedmon's Call, the Nashville-based musician has crafted four studio records, one split EP with his wife Sandra McCracken, two b-side discs and a DVD, as well as co-founding influential music Web site NoiseTrade.com. Of his eight-piece discography, few albums have been as widely revered as his last three, most notably 2007's The Ringing Bell.
His latest offering, Stockholm Syndrome, builds on the momentum from The Ringing Bell, but goes a little deeper. Initially slated to be released in the spring, Webb's label INO Records balked at releasing it after the song "What Matter More," was deemed too controversial for the label to release. After months of retooling, Webb agreed to sell the original version with "What Matters More," exclusively on his Web site, allowing the commercial release to hit shelves in September. This review highlights the latter.
A focused study in laptop programming, synths and old school R and B, Stockholm Syndrome is a focused, determined work of artistic brilliance. Webb's tender vocals and uplifting lyrics have always been his calling card, but on Stockholm Syndrome they seem to probe a little deeper. Not one to shy away from wry observation, Webb is firmly comfortable pushing boundaries and limits when needed. The sexual nature of "I Love You/Hate You," seems a bit suggestive for a self-described Christian artist, and the biting candor of the title track, reveal that the Texan is content to say it as it is.
While Stockholm Syndrome falls off in places, and very little of the disc seems at all similar to the acoustic-based songwriter of 2003's She Must and Shall Go Free, there's a confidence and swagger at work here that's hard to dismiss. The vocal croon of "Becoming a Slave," and the anti-Fred Phelps anthem, "Freddie, Please," are the sign of a surefire talent firmly stepping into his comfort zone and making an album that's sure to inspire its listeners. The hip-hop infused "Cobra Con," is undeniably splashy, while the seething anger of "The State," and "The Proverbial Gun," are certain to ignite some passionate discussion. And perhaps that's what's best about Webb. Whereas most singer/songwriters are content to play it safe, he seems unwilling to bow to the powers that be. Self-assured, deeply divine and incredibly determined, he is a refreshing presence on the singer/songwriter circuit. Already hailed by Paste Magazine on more than one occasion, he's more than worth the listen.
1. Opening Credits (1:32)
2. Black Eye (2:54)
3. Cobra Con (2:59)
4. Freddie, Please (3:52)
5. The Spirit Vs. The Kick Drum (3:08)
6. The State (4:30)
7. The Proverbial Gun (3:43)
8. I Love/Hate You (5:02)
9. Becoming A Slave (5:22)
10. Jena & Jimmy (3:25)
11. Heaven (4:27)
12. What You Give Up To Get It (3:15)
13. American Flag Umbrella (4:35)
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/derekwebb)
Website (http://www.derekwebb.com)
Wilco's A Ghost is Born