lambchops's Full Review: Mighty Joe Moon by Grant Lee Buffalo
Grant-Lee Phillips wields one of the most beautiful and emotional modern voices. Strangely enough, few people know his name and even fewer know his music. Since releasing his 2000 solo debut Ladies Love Oracle, Phillips has proven himself to be an incredibly competent vocalist and songwriter. Still had it not been for his previous project, Grant Lee Buffalo, none of this success would have come to pass. In fact, that band was often lauded by critics and fans but had problems finding a mainstream home. This is certainly one of the bands that should have been famous, but who never was.
Grant Lee Buffalo formed in 1992 out of the ashes of Shiva Burlesque. Phillips (vocals, guitar, songwriter) recruited his bandmates Joey Peters (drums) and Paul Kimble (bass, keys) to form the band that eventually became Grant Lee Buffalo. Whereas Shiva Burlesque melded psychedelia with folk and Americana, the new band took a much more straightforward approach. The resulting sound was good—so good in fact that it landed them an immediately major label deal with Slash. 1993’s Fuzzy lives up to all the hype with a clean variety of modern alternative folk-rock which works just as nicely in the form of a full-length album as it does as a radio single.
Mighty Joe Moon followed in 1994 and yielded their biggest successes to date. Organic and soulful, the songs are steeped in the American storytelling tradition. It works beautifully on most levels and in the end is probably Grant Lee Buffalo’s best album. Two albums followed—Copperopolis (1996) and Jubilee (1998)—but those first two are what the band is best known for. Phillips has since released three solo albums with the second, Mobilize (2001), ranks as my favorite. However I have to pay tribute to the band that birthed Phillips.
The main difference between Grant Lee Buffalo and Grant-Lee Phillips is the guitars. The former is distinctly plugged in and rather rooted in rock. The latter is softer, more melodic, and more highly produced. Mighty Joe Moon found an audience in part because of touching single Mockingbirds. It is this song that best relates to what Phillips would do later in his career. It pairs his delicate, coy vocals with acoustic guitars and strings (cello most obviously) to create one of the most striking songs of their career. Fortunately there is much more to this disc than one mere song…it has depth and heart.
Of the tracks, those that are slow and thoughtful connect best. Album opener Lone Star Song is neither—rather it is a rocker with heavy guitars and drums. Even Phillips can’t save the troubling ditty. Similarly Sing Along fails because it doesn’t really fit into the picture. Last Days of Tecumseh doesn’t really fit into the pop-folk aesthetic though the difference with this selection is that the banjo makes it a distinctly backwoods folk song. However I’m still left yearning for more of the loveliness that makes Mockingbirds perfect.
It’s the Life continues in the same vein with a relaxed tone and sparkling melody. Mighty Joe Moon and Demon Called Deception are also lovely songs but it is Lady Godiva and Me that next really touches me. It’s one of the airiest and evocative tracks on the entire album. The arrangement fascinates me with just a slide guitar, drum, and acoustic guitar it comes off as a faintly country ballad. Fortunately (because, lets face it, I don’t like country music by and large) Phillips possesses an infinitely faceted and delicate pop voice. It’s smooth and silky and even as the song breaks momentarily into a slightly heavier arrangement it is exquisite and controlled.
As Mighty Joe Moon continues, Drag is striking as is the bittersweet Happiness however once again I find another song to be so amazing that it outshines those that are merely good. Honey Don’t Think winds its way into my heart as it oozes sincere emotion. I honestly just adore Phillip—his voice and his songs are incredible to say the least. Album ender Rock of Ages isn’t as great but it is still well worth hearing.
While I find fault in some of the things that Grant Lee Buffalo attempted to do with Mighty Joe Moon, I still must admit that the album is pretty great. There are bits that should appeal to many people with many musical interests however those who enjoy singer-songwriters with a folk slant will really get the most out of the album. Despite the consistent critical acclaim for Grant Lee Buffalo, I still am more moved by Phillips as a solo artist. This disc feels raw somehow lacks the verve that makes his subsequent releases so special.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars (rounded up)
Track Listing:
01. Lone Star Song
02. Mockingbirds
03. It’s the Life
04. Sing Along
05. Mighty Joe Moon
06. Demon Called Deception
07. Lady Godiva and Me
08. Drag
09. Last Days of Tecumseh
10. Happiness
11. Honey Don’t Think
12. Side by Side
13. Rock of Ages
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