Mark Erelli – Hope and other Casualties
The artwork of this, Mark’s 5th album pays homage to Dylan’s ‘The Times They Are A-Changin' cover art, and while that makes a bold statement about the disc, it’s one that he carries off throughout the 11 tracks. ‘Hope and Other Casualties’ is a substantial album in the ‘old-style’ troubadour singer/songwriter vein – there are protest songs, historical tracks, social commentary and love songs, but where the disc really delivers is at an emotional level, and almost every track will elicit a response from the listener.
As befits an album of this style, the instrumentation is fairly simple and traditional, Mark’s guitar and excellent harmonica work are prominent throughout, and there’s support over the course of the disc from mandolin, bass and some notable percussion work. The backing vocals are beautifully used and are provided by Lori McKenna, Kris Delmhorst, Peter Mulvey and Jeffrey Foucault.
The real strength of this disc is it’s variety and consistency – the songs cover a range of styles and subjects and the quality never drops, highlights include ‘Hartfordtown 1944’ a stunning and aptly Dylan-like tale of a tragic circus fire, it’s a memorable song that really works the emotions of the listener. ‘The Only Way’ may have been written by Mark a few years ago (and recorded by Ellis Paul & Vance Gilbert), but this studio version shows the song in its best form, it’s a powerful statement full of energy and wrapped in a great melody. The final two songs ‘Passing Through’ and Sexsmith’s ‘God Loves Everyone’ are the perfect end to the disc, ‘Passing Through’ is the best of the 11 songs here, a fairly simple acoustic track with a beautiful acoustic arrangement of guitar, accordion and mandolin with backing vocals provided by the Redbird trio, but the lyrics are a powerful and personal declaration that resonate on every listen.
‘Hope and Other Casualties’ is a superb collection and easily one of the finest and most rewarding albums of recent years – anyone with any interest in folk singer/songwriters will find a huge amount to enjoy here. Very highly recommended.
