It is really weird to go on a road trip and drive in an area that is in the middle of nowhere. If you happen to be on a highway you might pass mile upon mile of nothing but mountain ranges, or if you happen to be out west, prairies. There might be power lines endlessly stretching without seeming to have a beginning or end. Perhaps you'd stumble upon some decaying road kill, evidence of others who came before. And there will be just enough small towns (population <155) to keep gas in the tank.
The radio provides precious little in these secluded areas. Flipping through the dial yields few stations that can offer little more than ghostly clips seemingly plucked out of the air at random. They fade in and out, interrupted by bursts of hissing static. It is sobering to think that far, far away somewhere there is a real station out there with real employees running it making a living broadcasting to real people who listen to it.
"Are You A Dreamer?" seems like the sort of music you might expect to catch on one of these ghost stations. Witmer makes music that is both dreamy, yet sharply focused. At first it appears to be a simple, straightforward album. A closer listen proves it to have more layers and being carefully composed than a first impression would hear. While it fits comfortably in the modern indie folk scene, it also has an interesting feel to it that would allow it to be brethren with various 60s acoustic folk pop.
Witmer doesn't travel his dream alone. Numerous artists join his dream with him. The highest profile would belong to critical darling Sufjan Stevens, who contributes various instruments to five tracks, and Don and Keren Peris of The Innocence Mission, who contribute something to most of the ten tracks. In fact, wherever Keren Peris sings, one of the album highlights is sure to be found.
Even though I tend to not like most album of this styling (most are slow and boring) this cd has a spark of life and beauty most lack. Undoubtedly this won't be for everyone, however, I really appreciate it. If you find yourself intrigued by the description, try hunting a copy up.
3/4
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2005Reviewed by Jason MoreheadI've been a fan of Denison Witmer's music for years, ever since I received a copy of Safe Away from Burnt Toast Vinyl years ago. And since then, my appreciation for the man's music has just grown. However, I'll readily admit that there's nothing groundbreaking or strikingly original about Witmer's songs. As many of his detractors might be quick to point out, he doesn't have the strongest or most…Similar sounding releases
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