Long May You Run, J. Tillman Revisited — Part III

Day three folks. Day three.

Pictured above, the CD disc face from the KEEP Recordings CD (CDR?) – understated, clean, even sparse. A signal of the mindset of the album, the sparseness of the recordings? I like to think that and not that it was a cost effective option of getting the discs made…come on, give me that at least!

This sparseness in the recordings is probably what defined the early Josh Tillman albums, whether you like to call it that or not, it still did. It is what drew me in and captivated. I could only enjoy and savour these recordings. As common as the “lone guy with a guitar” genre can be, sometimes it truly works and it did with J. Tillman.

One of the aspects of this covers project is the fact that not all recordings are sparse. Some find themselves without an acoustic guitar!! I like this. I like all of it. The songs have proven to stand on their own without this defining description of pre-Father John Misty Tillman. So let us get to a few more of these songs, reworked and paid tribute to.

Today I am opening with Michigan’s Cash Harrison and the Terrible Decisions playing House Arms Built.  While being a fuller band sound and enjoying a duo harmony it still retains the quiet times, almost a restrained beauty if you will. The flecks of banjo that come in the last minute are such a great touch!

More Info on Cash Harrison and the Terrible Decisions: www.facebook.com/pages/Cash-Harrison/170605832769 | cashharrison.bandcamp.com/

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Next we have our first live take on a track from Edmonton’s Tyler Butler with Seven States Across. In fact the first time I ever saw Tyler play live was here in Calgary and he played a J. Tillman track (I hope due to the fact he knew I was in the audience). So only fitting that Tyler plays this one true to form, in a way that any fan of the album will appreciate.

More Info on Tyler Butler: facebook.com/tylerbutlermusic | tylerbutler.bandcamp.com/

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Finally today we have a stunning piano ballad from Baltimore, MD’s Small Sur. The piano in the song is played by yesterday’s contributor Andy Abelow in fact. With this version I believe Bob Keal’s vocals channel the tone of the song (& album?) being almost wounded. Coming in at under 2 minutes it is short and sweet….or maybe short and sad.

More Info on Small Sur: smallsur.com/ | facebook.com/smallsur

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So remember, all covers to date can be found here: Long May You Run, J. Tillman Revisited Page

You can find the original J. Tillman album via iTunes: iTunes

A reprint on CD can be found via Fargo Records in France: Fargo Records Store

More covers continue through Friday. All week, all Tillman.

~Sandy (Smansmith)