John Lurie Music From The Series Painting With John
Sarah Shook & The Disarmers Revelations
From the very first episode of the hypnotically transfixing HBO show Painting With John, Suzy and I started hoping for a soundtrack record. Now here we are, just a little over three years later, after the end of the third (and apparently final) season, and John Lurie has delivered. Music From The Series Painting With John, clocking in at no fewer than 56 tracks, is a mix of tunes from the show and a bit of previously-released material from other Lurie incarnations (Marvin Pontiac; The John Lurie National Orchestra). This set is an absolute treasure trove of little gems. Completely entrancing, just like the show.
And of course, any month with new music from Sarah Shook and the Disarmers is a good month in my book. I love all their records, but this latest, Revelations, is probably the most cohesive album of the bunch. Each release in their catalog feels to me a little poppier than the last, and this one is no exception. That’s an observation, not a complaint. The album is polished without being slick, and without sacrificing any of the elements that make them who they are. The standout favorite for me (at least at the moment) is the can’t-quite-bring-ourselves-to-break-up song Backsliders, but there’s not a single bad track to be found.
These are two very different records, but I’m at a loss to pick between them. Give ‘em both a spin and see what you think.
Get some music in your ears, everybody!