Singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur's lack of recognition is a mystery. By all regards, he should have a much larger fan base than he does. His music, chock-full of lovely melodies and quirky lyrics, is the kind of stuff that should have indie crowds flocking in. Furthermore, there should be no shortage of material for his potential fans. He is one of the most prolific writers and producers in the United States, having released three full-length albums in the past four years. He plans to put four EPs on the market this year.
His latest release, Could We Survive, is an EP featuring six songs and clocking in at just around 20 minutes. Do not let the brevity of the album deter you, however; if anything, the shortness simply allows Arthur to highlight his strengths on six solid, well-produced songs. After a stint with his band The Lonely Astronauts in 2007's Let's Just Be, Arthur reclaimed responsibility of the instruments for this album. Everything heard is Arthur, recorded on his own label, Lonely Astronauts Records.
The changes Arthur made are evident in his music. What was full-out rock 'n roll last year has now become solo acoustic folk. Arthur opens the EP with (what now seems) a typical anti-war song, "Rages of Babylon," though at least with more clever lyrics than the copious number of today's "protest" songs. "Do you notice when we are gone / through the rages of Babylon / to protect the land of the free / Will my family remember me?" Arthur croons. Though somewhat trite, the use of a harmonica stirs an old-time Americana feeling in the listener, awakening a sense of nostalgia for the good times past.
"Morning Cup" changes the mood with its upbeat melody; however, its brightness fades after about three minutes of the same tune -- Arthur stretches a good thing as the song seems to drag on during its five-plus minutes. Nonetheless, the lyrics are sweet and catchy
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