Caedmon's Call - Raising Up The Dead
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Title:
Raising Up The Dead
Type:
Album
Released:
15 Nov 2010 (US), 22 Mar 2011 (UK)
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Review
While Caedmon's Call have had something of a revolving-door line-up, the quality of their output has never suffered. Each new album has produced a well thought-out well-crafted collection of songs (with one or two guaranteed to feature in your singing-in-the-shower playlist). Sure, they've never strayed too far from the foot-tapping rhythms and sing-along choruses of their accustomed folk-tinged-pop, but 2000's 'Share the Well' proved the band's ability to go a step further and fuse elements of world music into their sound. 'Share the Well' was just over ten years ago and with Derek Webb back in the fold and occupying...
Read More While Caedmon's Call have had something of a revolving-door line-up, the quality of their output has never suffered. Each new album has produced a well thought-out well-crafted collection of songs (with one or two guaranteed to feature in your singing-in-the-shower playlist). Sure, they've never strayed too far from the foot-tapping rhythms and sing-along choruses of their accustomed folk-tinged-pop, but 2000's 'Share the Well' proved the band's ability to go a step further and fuse elements of world music into their sound. 'Share the Well' was just over ten years ago and with Derek Webb back in the fold and occupying the producer's chair on this project, Caedmon's Call seem once again eager to push the boundaries and do something a bit different.
The official press release tells us that 'Raising Up The Dead' saw the band working collaboratively to bring more of their individual interests and personalities to the fore. The result is certainly more thoughtful and less straight-ahead than 2007's 'Overdressed'. There's a curious air of melancholy about this record. While 'There Is A Reason' from 'Overdressed' spoke boldly of trust in God no matter what life throws at you, 'Raising Up The Dead' deals with the more difficult-to-digest and confessional aspects of life and faith.
Opening track 'Sometimes A Beggar' sets the scene with Dylanesque guitars and lyric that urges us not to fix a chasm of complacency between those who live by grace and those who seem to have fallen from it, "Take the time, think it through, Walk in wise but leave a fool, And it can betray, Sometimes a beggar has more to say". Danielle Young assumes a greater share of vocal duties on this record, beginning with 'She'; a catchy and cautionary tale, hinting at a destructive and manipulative relationship. 'Family' is by far the standout track on 'Raising Up The Dead' with a subtle arrangement that builds on an infectious drum loop before blossoming into a ludicrously catchy chorus. Lyrically, there is at least the suggestion that 'Family' refers to someone finding kinship within a company of believers while biological ties have proved too difficult to maintain "sometimes flesh and blood is not enough".
Things seem to cool a little as we hit the halfway point before 'Streets Of Gold' injects some momentum with thumping it's drums and delicate pizzicato strings. Sparse and open arrangements are certainly a feature of 'Raising Up The Dead' with songs like 'Time Inside Out' and 'I Need A Builder' feeling almost like solo outings for the respective vocalists. Title track 'Raising Up The Dead' weaves a story of doubt and longing around a haunting melody and unusual rhythm before 'Free' wraps things up with a humble blend of voice and guitar that builds into a truly stunning harmony-vocal chorus.
After repeated listening, 'Raising Up The Dead' comes across as a record made by a band with the capability and confidence to set their own agenda. While the instant accessibility of previous albums has been exchanged for something a little more demanding, the result is subtle, accomplished and occasionally touches the sublime. 'Raising Up The Dead' might not be Caedmon's Call's 'Kid A', but it could well be their 'White Album'.
Review by Fr Ed
LTTM Rating 3.5 Out Of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
Family
Raising Up The Dead
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The latest album from alternative rock band Caedmon's Call, titled 'Raising Up The Dead', is released on CD worldwide tomorrow, 22nd March 2011, following it's digital release towards the end of 2010. Produced by band member…
Caedmon's Call latest album 'Raising Up The Dead', which was released digitally towards the end of last year, is to be released on CD on 22nd March 2011 in the US and UK. Produced by band member Derek Webb, also a successful solo…
Alternative rock band Caedmon's Call will release their new album 'Raising Up The Dead' later this year. The album has been produced by former band member Derek Webb, now a successful solo artist in his own right. 'Raising Up The…
