Richard Buckner

'Meadow'

Rambling singer finds a new home for his wounded pipes.

Spin Rating7 of 10

Richard Buckner's voice -- a husky, quivering moan equal parts Dwight Yoakam, Nick Cave, and an agitated grizzly bear -- deserves the spotlight it's gotten on his dark country-folk albums. But on Meadow, it's backed by a slicker, more confident band than in the past. The polished guitar lines of ex-Guided by Voices member Doug Gillard dance from nearly every tune, along with shimmering organs and rumbling percussion. The combination works: Buckner's singular pipes and surrealistic lyrics tug the songs toward the esoteric, but the band pulls them back. 

Now Hear This:
Richard Buckner - "Town" DOWNLOAD MP3

By David Peisner

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