Ben Kweller - Changing Horses

180-gram gatefold LP
Includes poster w/ lyrics & full-length CD in slipcase
All-analog recording, mixing, and mastering


Audio Quality: 4.75 / 5
Song Quality: 4 / 5
Packaging: 4 / 5


Though I've always enjoyed Ben Kweller's music, I wouldn't say I was a huge fan or anything. I think the only Ben Kweller recording I actually own is Sha Sha, his first full-length, on CD. I've seen him live a couple times (only once as a headliner... when he performed Sha Sha in full at Southpaw in Brooklyn) and he puts on a great show. What I'm trying to say here is, though I enjoy his music, he's certainly not someone I thought I would pre-order a record from. But, when Mr. Kweller made a Twitter post (yeah, I DO like him enought to follow on Twitter) talking about how his new record "never once touched a digital source... sounds like 1968," he sold me instantly. I immediately ordered a copy, which arrived yesterday. So today, I woke up and immediately dropped the record on the turntable for a serious listen.

Ben's words are perfect, so I'm gonna re-state them. This record quite literally sounds like 1968... a vintage record you find in a big bin at the thrift store. You take it home and drop the needle, and though it's dirty as hell from decades of mistreatment, the sound it produces reminds you of simpler times, when making and listening to music was a more organic experience. It makes you feel good inside. This is what records are all about. Changing Horses makes me feel like 1968 because, prior to this record, I don't know if I've ever heard a brand new album that sounded so warm and old-fashioned.

It's a very clean stereo mix. Ben's lead vocal is smooth and well-placed, and it is the centerpiece of this recording. The other highlight is the upright bass, which is wonderfully present, clear, and punchy without distorting the low-end. The pedal steel guitar also sounds gorgeous in all these tracks, bright and clear without being harsh. Because it is faithfully recorded to 2" tape, this recording is lacking some of the high frequency presence that is so common in modern recordings. I assure you, this is absolutely fine. It helps give this recording more character than anything I've heard in recent memory.

The songs on this record are quite different from previous releases by Ben Kweller. It's a full-fledged country record, and while previous Kweller released have been influenced by his Texan upbringing, none have been this unabashedly country. But the style suits him well, with "Fight," "Sawdust Man," and "Wantin' Her Again" sounding fresh and fun while existing within a comfortably familiar country aesthetic. On first listen, I found more to love in Side B than Side A, but with a record like this, my opinion is bound to change after multiple listens.

The packaging is pretty nice, with embossed artwork on both the front and back of the gatefold sleeve. The vinyl itself is in a white paper sleeve, no additional artwork there. Contains a poster of the enlarged album cover with lyrics on the back. Also contains the full album on CD in a slip case, which is always appreciated.

Basically, if you're a big vinyl fan, this is worth a listen for the analog production alone, which you're hard-pressed to find in modern recordings. Kweller fans might be split on this record, but if you're willing to embrace a batch of earnest, twangy country tunes you'll find a lot to love. Ben, if you're reading this, your dedication to high quality recording is much appreciated. Please keep it up and continue setting a good example for your peers. We desperately need more artists like you.

Buy the vinyl from BenKweller.com
Also available at Amazon.com

Tomorrow: Björk - Debut (One Little Indian Re-issue)