Day: September 20, 2013

Overproduction is overrated. Simplicity is in. In reviewing The Lumineers (self titled) I was struck by how much I enjoyed this album, despite the fact that there is nothing revolutionary about it. It is simple pop, acoustic folk-rock. It is (simply) fantastic! As part of the so-called roots revival, their website says they are seeking to prepare “listeners for a new generation of rustic, heart-on-the-sleeve music.” The trio of Wesley Shultz (vocals, guitar), Jeremiah Fraites (drums), and Neyal Pekarek (cello, mandolin, piano) present a sound similar to a stripped-down Mumford & Sons or a prettier sounding Decembrists. Deservedly, they...