The Lonely Forest’s “We Sing the Body Electric”
The Lonely Forest officially released their latest album, We Sing the Body Electric, to a sold out, and quite enthusiastic, crowd at The Vera Project last Friday. I am biased, I will admit that up front, but it was an incredible show and the record should be heard by all. Really guys, this album is great. If you want to read what John Van Deusen, front man for the group, has to say, check out all the lyrics to the tracks at my Lonely Forest Lyrics Page. You can also check out Megan Seling’s and The Sound on Sound’s reviews of the show.
Songs of social justice, to insomnia, to thoughts of suicide turning to visions of beauty all around can be found in We Sing the Body Electric. Something for everyone. The album’s first (?) single, We Sing in Time is a song that looks hopefully forward to a time where our society isn’t broken. “In Time the trees die and light will fade. But I hope for a new breath, a new life to take me away…” On to Something is a harsh and ironic critique of materialist nonsense. Golden Apples of the Sun parts I and II encourage love in any context, no matter the situation. Julia’s Song deals with addiction and ends with John’s grandmother’s lullaby: “I’m little I know, but wherever I go I give I give… I give (away).” Borders and Towns is an oldie (ask me if you would like an old acoustic version!) but goodie and a classic love song. WSBHBWA is another ironic attack against the superficialities of much of our culture, concluding, “You’re beautiful but you’re empty.” Mt. Constitution suggests we take a moment to pause and think about our life. The album coming to an end full of reflection:
Breathing is a blessing
A variable we take for granted
One quick second
It’s blown away with all your happinessHope lies in the proles
That’s how they made you.
But not how they wanted you to be…
I could go on and talk about every song, but they are all worth a listen to and read through. Head over to the Burning Building Records store to purchase We Sing the Body Electric, you won’t be disappointed. Oh, and you can listen to the entire album at the Lonely Forest band page at Burning Building Records.
There are plenty of pictures and video clips from the show!
All of the videos have been posted to my YouTube channel.
My, that was such a spectacular show. They get better every time I see them. Which has been a lot. WSTBE shows just how much they’ve matured as a band, how far they’ve come, and while Nuclear Winter is good, it could certainly never have the potential to compete in a much broader market the way WSTBE could with proper marketing- it’s much more accessible. Every song is solid.
And John. Oh John. That man is so amazing. He told me he was wearing his deceased grandfather’s socks to the show. I just want to hug him to death.
can you post the acoustic version of ‘borders and towns’?
Hi Bri, I would rather not post it since it isn’t a released song. You can email me and I can send it to you if you would like.
matt…long time friend! crazy how things have gone for TLF. you’ve been at the edge most of the time. Big changes are on the immediate horizon! thanks for the years of partnering with us.
Hey Rusty! I talked briefly to John at the show at Easy Street. I am looking forward to all in store for TLF and am excited to be along for the ride! I hope to see you soon!