Broken Bells was one of my favorite albums from last year which was both due to the fact that I was hankering after new Shins material and because Mercer and Brian Burton aka Danger Mouse proved to be a formidable duo. Burton's torrent of creativity has not ceased to carve its path through various genres and will no-doubt influence many to come.
The first song, The Theme of Rome sets the tone for the album but its got about as much to do with the city as Clint Eastwood as it sounds like a Spaghetti Western Soundtrack. In fact the original choir from The Good the Bad and the Ugly have been resurrected for the backing vocals. However don't let this make you think its another variation of the 60's revival.
Given Burton's visionary approach to his musical endeavors, it makes sense that any guests on the album should be of similar prolificacy. Jack White, a man of equal ambition and who, like Burton seems to have endless talent, features on three of the songs. As the album is decidedly bluesy, White's delicate voice translates well. Also his theatrical nature fits the peculiar, psychedelic tone of the album. You will have heard first single Two Against One where Jack White sings about battling with the mind over struggles with self-loathing and insecurity. I particularly like the use of harpsichord contrasted with the themed Mexican feel.
Norah Jones similarly bluesy but more provocative voice has been used as a romantic counterpart for Jack White in this paritcular Spaghetti Western. Her country influence sits well with the imagery of ol' towns in the Sanatana Susana Pass in Ventura county, California.
A favorite of mine is The Gambling Priest which reminds me of music from the time of the vietnamese war. It also demonstrates, along with many other songs particularly the interludes, the influence of composer Daniele Luppi as they have the feel of a movie soundtrack. This is not to detriemntal effect but merely removes another boundary in that film scores are highly accomplished pieces of music and who says that style can't be incorporated into a chart album.
Burton takes on music from all eras and genres which can include at any time, Spaghetti Western, Baroque and blues rock. This combined with eery vocals does make the album have a deranged feel and makes it impossible to pigeon hole. But I guess that is Danger Mouse's game; pushing past genre boundaries, soaring above the squabbles over which music is what and creating something completely new.
8/10
Release date: 17/5
Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi - Rose With A Broken Neck feat. Jack White
