Released five years after 2006's well-received
Ships
,
Daniel Smith
's
Best of Gloucester County
finds
the Danielson Famile
in a bit of disarray. While sisters
Megan
and
Rachel
Smith
's wife
Erin
all make appearances, the bulk of the "
Famile
" has fled the nest, but adding four new members (
Jens Lekman
and longtime
Danielson
staple
Sufjan Stevens
appear as well) has done little to tarnish
's signature blend of art school indie pop and freak folk Sunday school gospel. While
(named for the New Jersey province that serves as the members' stomping grounds) may feel a bit more settled than previous outings, the complacencies of adulthood, as filtered through
's manic croon, are hardly destined for commercial airplay. Closer in tone to 2004's
Brother Is to Son
but with
' loftier (but still D.I.Y.) production,
Gloucester County
's opening cut,
"Complimentary Dismemberment Insurance,"
sets the tone with a straightforward blast of
Neil Young
-meets-
Frank Black
folk-rock, in which
delivers some his most evenhanded vocals in years.
"The Day Is a Loaf"
"Grow Up"
follow similar suit, but overly precious cuts like
"Lil Norge"
"People's Partay"
come away feeling more uncomfortable than whimsical. Still, a middle-of-the-road
Danielson Famile
/
Brother Danielson
album is hardly a disappointment, as
has always been the sole proprietor of his niche, and with each new collection can rewrite the rules however he sees fit. If anything,
proves that
is willing to let his unique style mature, which may at some point provide some insight into one of the underground's most elusive personalities. ~ James Christopher Monger