As I Rise

Old Man

Our Endless Numbered Days

Naked as We Came

Love and Some Verses

Hold On

Not A Pretty Girl

32 Flavors

My first experience of the Great Lake Swimmers came sometime after 2005’s release of Bodies and Minds and just before the 2007 release of their critically acclaimed Ongiara. I had no idea who they were, I was brought by someone I didn’t really know but respected all the same. The experience was amazing, watching these players working so seamlessly together to bring life to the beautifully evocative songs of Tony Dekker. It was one of the songs off their, then upcoming record, and one we captured on this session, “Your Rocky Spine” that caused me to fall so hard for the band. This has never dissipated over almost a full decade and their prowess has not either. This recording of “Your Rocky Spine” comes alive with all the wistful charm and stirring emotion Dekker can muster while the purely string arrangements dance together in a suspenseful stark love affair with Miranda Mulholland’s sparse backing vocals punctuating the song with understated harmonies. This is followed by a new song, “Don’t Leave Me Hanging”, off of their forthcoming LP, A Forest Of Arms. The new album was largely inspired by Dekker’s work with the World Wildlife Fund and the disastrous destruction caused by unmonitored and under regulated big oil. “Don’t Leave Me Hanging” comes as a graceful request for a second chance, a bit of rope or a hand. The need to keep trying and not have to begin anew. What I adore about these two songs is that you’re never sure if Dekker’s speaking to a person, a place, a relationship or something else entirely. This cross-section of the Great Lake Swimmers career is capped off by “Pulling On A Line”, off of 2009’s Lost Channels a more upbeat number to end their slightly melancholic session.
Daniel Cooper

Great Lake Swimmers - Your Rocky Spine

Pride

Wolves

We Gotta Get Out of This Place

Great Lake Swimmers - Your Rocky Spine

Pinball Sessions

Related tracks