There is a special kind of magic that happens when two songwriters can align their creative universes and produce a coherent and meaningful song, much less an entire album. That magic has happened in the new group Arthur Buck. The two songsters are: Joseph Arthur and Peter Buck (of R.E.M.). The two have released their debut album, Arthur Buck, via New West Records. Together they have crafted an eleven-song set that was produced by Joseph Arthur and mixed by Tchad Blake (U2, Pearl Jam, The Black Keys) with all its songs co-written by the duo. The collaboration on the album brings out the strengths of both singer/songwriter Arthur and guitarist/songwriter Buck in a way that the sum is greater than the parts, even when the parts are this good. The sum is a set of tunes that are brimming with spontaneity, heart, great melodies and of course, amazing songwriting! The album is full of varied feels, vocal and instrumental textures and there is a buoyant alternative/contemporary rock vibe about it that will appeal to a very wide audience. That’s the short of it!
Positives:
Two outstanding songwriting practitioners bring their experiences together to create a musical world that will not disappoint.
Bottom Line:
Arthur Buck brings out the best of Joseph Arthur and Peter Buck together, with Buck’s instruments and Arthur’s vocals moving in and around each other through well-crafted songs, the two drawing you into their musical world. Buck’s guitar playing is great on Arthur Buck, his sounds are rich, and his playing is spot-on. Arthur’s vocals are strong and sit perfectly in the tonal colors and progression of each track. The two make excellent musical partners and since they are longtime friends, they were able to find a space to create in that relieved the music of the burden of the self, and that makes for excellent music. Arthur Buck is just that, excellent music.