Congrats to NewSong Recordings artist, Chris Velan, whose most recent album The Long Goodbye was selected by as one of Dirty Impound‘s 25 Favorite Albums of 2013. The album was produced and mixed by Iestyn Polson at Asheville’s Echo Mountain Recording Studios.
Here’s what they had to say about it:
Chris Velan: The Long Goodbye
As exposed and brave as Joni Mitchell’s Blue or Elliott Smith’s Either/Or, the latest offering from Canadian songsmith Chris Velan tackles the tough but all too common experience of really, really loving someone and realizing you’re not the one for them. Where most of us crawl away to hide in the shadows, Velan took his guitar and notebook to scribble down some wisdom and helpful reflection from within the worst of times. To love and not be loved in return – at least not on the same level – is a pain worse than most blades or bullets can produce. But there is a balm in music that directly addresses the confusion, the lingering I-want-the-best-for-you ache, and undeniable hurt and sadness at knowing that despite one’s best efforts there’s no way to chisel one’s self into something other than what they are. The Long Goodbye is a succinct, beautifully drawn work that may well help folks move on from such hurts and hampering history. (DI Interview with Truth & Salvage Co.)
The album is in good company here; other albums on the list include releases by Akron/Family, Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog, Jason Isbell and Hiss Golden Messenger. “I’m punching above my weight on this list of truly amazing releases,” said Velan. “If you enjoy top-notch music writing and want to hear what gems you might have missed this past year (as I’m realizing, going through this list), you’ll want to check out this curatorial gift from Dennis Cook.”
See the full list of 25 albums here.
