Though the seeds of Big Red Machine were planted in 2008, when the National's Aaron Dessner sent Bon Iver's Justin Vernon an instrumental song sketch of the same name, the project's self-titled debut was compiled over the two years leading up to its release in August of 2018. It arrives after Bon Iver's surprising 22, A Million (2016), which saw the indie folk icon incorporating keyboards, samples, and manipulated sounds, and the National's Sleep Well Beast (2017), which also employed electronics as part of its expansive ...
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Though the seeds of Big Red Machine were planted in 2008, when the National's Aaron Dessner sent Bon Iver's Justin Vernon an instrumental song sketch of the same name, the project's self-titled debut was compiled over the two years leading up to its release in August of 2018. It arrives after Bon Iver's surprising 22, A Million (2016), which saw the indie folk icon incorporating keyboards, samples, and manipulated sounds, and the National's Sleep Well Beast (2017), which also employed electronics as part of its expansive sonic scheme. Using dozens of instruments -- including guitars, programmed and live drums, strings, portable synthesizers, and sampling and looping devices -- Big Red Machine's off-kilter soundscape was designed by Dessner, with Vernon adding impressionistic lyrics and wide-ranging vocal lines. Among the album's numerous guests are prior National collaborators such as Arcade Fire's Richard Reed Parry, keyboardist Nick Lloyd, and drummer James McAlister, as well as the National's Bryan Devendorf. Other singers, brass players, and even a throat whistler are also in play in what are ultimately quietly dramatic tracks. The opener, "Deep Green," for instance, spotlights Vernon's cryptic remembrance with only skittering drums and electric guitar interjections in the foreground, while eerie backing vocals, keyboard instruments, and glitchy sound effects are recessed. Later, "Lyla" blends soul, hip-hop, rock, and indie electronica on a track that incorporates R2-D2-like blips as well as Rob Moose's violin and viola. (Phoebe Bridgers is among the background singers on the track.) "Hymnostic" is more anthemic and rousing, while "People Lullaby" is relatively sparse and circular by design. It may come as no surprise after listening that the songs were originally constructed as blueprints for improvised live performances with rotating collaborators at festivals in 2017; the songs have an organic, impromptu character to them, even despite the subtle and not-so-subtle intricacy of their arrangements. More a headphones-type album than a radio-friendly one, what emerges are still songs before compositions or productions, though they may appeal to the more explorative indie rockers. ~ Marcy Donelson, Rovi
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Add this copy of Big Red Machine to cart. $6.33, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2018 by Jagjaguwar.
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Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
Add this copy of Big Red Machine to cart. $7.49, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2018 by JAGJAGUWAR.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Big Red Machine to cart. $19.08, new condition, Sold by Importcds rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sunrise, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2018 by Jagjaguwar.
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Dessner/Vernon. New. New in new packaging. USA Orders only! Brand New product! please allow delivery times of 3-7 business days within the USA. US orders only please.
