There are a couple of voices out there that give me goosebumps when I hear them. Langhorne Slim is one of those voices and his show on Tuesday, April 24th at The Cedar Cultural Center is definitely on the top of my list for this month. As the phenomena of instant connection and the need for constant self-improvement further implant their tendrils into our culture, the ability to truly connect with each other and ourselves has begun to fade. As we all reach for our smartphones to gaze upon the manufactured perfection of the lives of those we admire, we lose sight of what makes our own lives important. Nashville’s Langhorne Slim interlaces this theme throughout his latest album. “Everyone’s searchin’ for something better around every corner, but it’s already right here,” Langhorne says. “We’re all born whole — through livin’ we fall apart…”
The songs on Langhorne Slim’s newest album, Lost At Last Vol. 1, released November 10, 2017, challenge the idea of social rigidity: the attitude that there’s a “correct” way for us to live and a side we should be on. He urges the world to see through the idea that by following that path and focusing only on fitting the mold, one will have lived a good life. He re-interprets the sound of the free-spirited yet vulnerable everyman heard on 2015’s The Spirit Moves and brings forth anew the call for us to abandon “the fold” and re-connect with ourselves and each other.
Langhorne Slim is no stranger to the world of popular culture and commercial success. Lost At Last Vol. 1 is his sixth full-length album; throughout his career he has been defined by reflective songwriting and passionate delivery. Slim’s last album cycle alone garnered him his third appearance on Conan O’Brien’s late-night show, as well as a feature on CBS Saturday Morning, and the highest charting debut of his career. O’Brien, a personal fan of Slim stated, “After one listen, I became an instant, almost obsessive fan.” Slim has consistently toured on his own, and has appeared on extensive worldwide runs throughout his career with artists such as The Lumineers, The Avett Brothers, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Gregory Alan Isakov, Josh Ritter, The Devil Makes Three, Sara Watkins, and more. He’s also appeared on many festival stages, such as Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, Outside Lands, Lollapalooza, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Getting the night started right will be Nineteen Thirteen. Cellist Janet Schiff and Percussionist Victor DeLorenzo (founding drummer of Violent Femmes) create the bold and vibrant new sound of NINETEEN THIRTEEN. A cello made in Romania in the year of 1913 and a set of drums made in modern day America entertain each other in a haunting, melodic dance that suggests mystery, romance and future thought. Original compositions and looping are by Schiff while beat brushes and vocals are by DeLorenzo.
Tickets are still available here.
