I pre-ordered
Over the Rhine's latest masterpiece
The Trumpet Child this evening.
The cover artwork is phenomenal and reminds me what is wonderful about holding a real-life CD (or vinyl, even) in your hand while listening. In fact, I love that drawing so much I picked up the vinyl LP as well. There's nothing like the warm crackle of the record player and holding such great artwork while listening.
It may be presumptuous to offer it as a
masterpiece having only heard 4 tracks from it. I do presume it will be a masterpiece based upon Over the Rhine's proven record of making me very happy each time I hear a new album. They have a strong collection of albums under their belt to be sure.
Linford mentions exploring something new on this release, but it sounds like a gentle progression from
Drunkard's Prayer. The
Live from Nowhere collections also highlight a bit of what they are tinkering with. All in all Over the Rhine stays true to what makes them so special and is one of the few bands I enjoy enough to own nearly all their releases.
As I'm drafting this post Jacksie from
Patience which makes me reminisce with fondness of times past and friends come and gone, but not forgotten.
If you're curious what The Trumpet Child holds, you can
pick up two tracks at Shore Fire which appears to be their PR firm for this release.
Now, I have to sit and wait for Tuesday, August 21st for more!