Rock Bottom Rhapsody
New West, 2020
9/10
Listen to Rock Bottom Rhapsody
Pokey LaFarge left quite an impression on me in 2013 with his exceptional self-titled album, and though he’s been a bit absent from music in the past 3 years, this highly personal outing is easily his best work to date.
It didn’t come without any hardship though; after relocating to Los Angeles, LaFarge fell on some difficult times, and much of that is documented here on the aptly titled Rock Bottom Rhapsody.
After the orchestral, instrumental opening of “Rock Bottom Rhapsody”, one of the darker selections, “End Of My Rope” follows with a punchy, country rock approach where LaFarge’s distinct yet smooth vocals sound better than ever.
Near the middle, “Lucky Sometimes” recruits piano in the smokey, old time atmosphere, while “Carry On” shows just how versatile LaFarge can be with relaxed rhythm amid the jazz and rootsy delivery. A record where each track shines in its own light, “Fallen Angel” is particularly luminous, and takes a more forceful turn into percussively strong territory with strategic background vocals.
LaFarge continues the strong song craft until the end, including the retro rock melodica of “Ain’t Comin’ Home”, before exiting on the brief “Rock Bottom Finale”, which uses keys in a live setting.
Ultimately a record about the man LaFarge used to be, despite the turmoil LaFarge sorted through, this isn’t a bleak effort, as he often reminds us of Dylan and Orbison, though is formula certainly is inimitable. If you’ve been following all along, this is a fine addition to LaFarge’s catalog, and for the first time listener it’s a fantastic place to start.
Travels well with: Luke Winslow-King- Blue Mesa; The Devil Makes Three- Chains Are Broken