Moving Up Country

June 27, 2008 | By Doug In Country |

Moving Up Country
Scottish folk troubadour James Yorkston might not quite smell like the latest underground hero, but his debut album, Moving Up Country, is a quietly stunning testament to the enduring creativity of a musical form many thought long dead and buried. Newly signed to Domino Records, Yorkston claims no knowledge of label mainstays like Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and Smog–but his music contains definite parallels, demonstrating an individuality of voice, an experimental urge, and a dry humour that so many traditional singer-songwriters lack. Meanwhile, his backing band, The Athletes, fill in his countryside tales with flourishes of twanged banjo, screeching harmonica, and whirring Wurlitzer organs. “St. Patrick” could almost be a long-lost Nick Drake rarity, deftly balancing its wistful lyrical edge with a blossoming musical beauty. Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, the fast-paced “I Spy Dogs” find Yorkston romping through a bawdy, half-cut tale of bar-room trouble-making. As it happens, the only disappointment here is the omission of “The Lang Toun”, the fantastic nine-minute epic that preceded the release of Moving Up Country, and still sounds like Yorkston’s defining moment to date. Still, an impressive debut, and a worthy addition to the Domino roster.–Louis Pattison

Customer Review: A grower
For those mellow evenings when you’re maybe feeling a little down, or a little knackered - this is the ideal calmer. Laid-back, alt-country that isn’t quite morose but certainly not upbeat - in some ways almost jazz-like. The album is worth buying if only for the majestic and melodic Tender To The Blues. Wonderful.

Customer Review: Two scoops of accoustic loveliness.
If you’re reading this, do yourself a favour and buy this record. James’ delicate and intricate accoustic guitar and vocal arrangements are set off by the various and varied backing instruments and harmonies of the athletes.
Tender and St Patrick are my favourite tracks, tho everyone’s a little gem.
At turns haunting, at others rousing, with a homegrown feel to it - this is how music should be. And he’s a Fifer too! Gaun the neeburs!