Danielson Family

Item: Tell Another Joke at the Ol' Choppin' Block
Author: Alex Klages

Tell Another Joke at the Ol' Choppin' Block

(1997)

Reviewed by Alex Klages

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Label Tooth & Nail RecordsThe LighthouseNovember 1997

experimental folk indie rock lo-fi

It isn't often that truly unique music makes it into the market, or is considered to be commercially viable by major record labels. It is, however, a pleasant surprise when an artist who may never be a big seller is given a decent shot by a record company. Such a case is Daniel Smith, and his family band, Danielson.

The biggest difference between this album and its predecessor, A Prayer For Every Hour, seems to be the emphasis on the group dynamic. Whereas before all of the vocals were handled by Smith, here his sisters and brothers do the lion's share of the backing vocals. The larger group of people also manages to allow a wider range of instrumentation, and more of a live feel to the album.

It is this live feel which is perhaps this project's best component. Listening to this CD is like sitting in the backyard with a bunch of buddies you've known for a long time and jamming, making it up as you go. Sometimes it comes together and sounds really cool. Sometimes it doesn't come together and sounds really cool. And sometimes it just sounds weird. This is exactly what this album is like. But, that is not really surprising when you consider that the instrumentation for most songs consists of acoustic guitar (with effects pedals!), bells, piano, organ, drums, and vocals (with the odd banjo and bass thrown in for good measure).

Once the music of the album has been accepted for what it is, there is a witty package of lyrics underneath the surface. While aimed at the ever-so-tiny Christian alternative market, the album does have some new ways of looking at relationships. Whether with God ("I Am My Beloved's"), family ("Ye Olde Battleaxe," a song in praise of mothers), other people ("Jersey Loverboy"), or even yourself ("Flesh Thang"), relationships and how to maintain them seem to be at the heart of the Danielson Family's message. The lyrics resonate with Biblical allusions and quotes, primarily from the Song of Solomon, the Gospels, and Paul's letters.

If you feel a need for some music in your collection that doesn't sound like the various other "alternative" bands out there, and you like lyrics that are more than just an excuse for a really cool guitar riff, you might find this project to your liking. It may not be for everyone, as the falsetto vocals do take a bit of getting used to. But now that I've heard the album, it's quickly become one of my favorites. The Danielson Family states their mission as being "healing and comfort," and with music which brings that in its own quirky way, I'd say they've found their niche.