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Jake Xerxes Fussell Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut solo full-length release for the North Carolina folk singer-songwriter was produced by William Tyler.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Jan 27, 2015
    80
    Even with all the history built into these songs and this record, Fussell still emerges as a fresh and vital new voice, as a singer, a musician and a torch bearer for every true sound he’s come across to now.
  2. Jan 27, 2015
    80
    All of the more modern accents are refreshingly unobtrusive. The minimalist arrangements give each instrument room to breath so the richness of the tones and the relaxed confidence of the playing stand out in sharp relief.
  3. Jan 27, 2015
    80
    This is the kind of subtle record unlikely to make immediate waves, but with a staying power that will call for repeated listens.
  4. Uncut
    Jan 27, 2015
    80
    His debut album reworks traditional material, much of it obscure, yet sounding familiar thanks to the vibrancy of playing, notably from William Tyler on guitar. [Feb 2015, p.78]
  5. Feb 18, 2015
    80
    Every song on his debut album is sourced from an old record or field recording, but he and producer William Tyler have gone out of their way to ensure that they don’t sound particularly antique. In fact, while they’ll rest pretty easily upon Americana-tuned ears, they don’t slot too easily into any particular scene.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Feb 17, 2015
    9
    I have to state from the outset that I am a biased critic. I made a point of watching Jake's live shows, both solo and in various bands,I have to state from the outset that I am a biased critic. I made a point of watching Jake's live shows, both solo and in various bands, during his Oxford years. They were every bit as warm and as familiar and as not-quite-familiar as this album.

    This album contains sonic qualities absent from his live work, which make sense given the people who participated in it. Importantly, they do not detract from his music; they accent and enhance in just the right measure.

    Jake is a true craftsman. His eponymous album captures just that.
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  2. Jan 27, 2015
    8
    The first album from blues/folk musician Jake Fussell is not a complicated one, but that does not keep it from being great. Nothing here isThe first album from blues/folk musician Jake Fussell is not a complicated one, but that does not keep it from being great. Nothing here is mindblowing or absolutely amazing, but everything on this album is absolutely 100% solid. As yet another artist in the recent resurgence of traditional folk and blues music, Jake separates himself from the majority as a songwriter (and guitarist) of immense talent and tact. His first record is a prime example of that. Expand