Currently listening: Doug Burr

The other day a friend asked me what I look for when listening to new music. I guess I am first affected by a song’s overall atmosphere, not the words. I appreciate a well-written lyric, but generally don’t listen to them too closely unless I like the sound of a song. However, if I do decide I like the flavor of an artist, I’m motivated to dig into the words — which, with the best musicians, enhances the enjoyment.

Doug Burr is an example of an artist whose compelling sound demanded that I pay lyrical attention. This Denton singer-songwriter has several full-length albums to his credit, though I just recently discovered him via his newest offering Trembling Lips and Pale Fingertips. The tracks on this release are “stripped down” remixes from his 2010 album O Ye Devastator (currently on repeat via Spotify). Here’s A Black Wave is Comin’:

A black wave is comin’
A black wave will fall
Touch your tremblin’ lips to your pale fingertips
A black wave doth call

So what do you see my lover
And what do you see my friend
I don’t know, I don’t know at Midnight comes a snow
I can’t see, but I hear a little hymn
I can’t see, but I hear a little hymn

Though I’m still a newcomer to Burr’s music, so far I’ve been impressed with his ability to immediately create this sense of yearning — a dark beauty, if you will. I guess I’ve always been particularly drawn to that flavor of music — the kind that makes you more aware of the beauty around you, but also hints that the best to come is not yet here.

In a 2010 interview with Paste Magazine, Burr — the son of a Southern Baptist preacher — commented, “I do kind of struggle with having a dark outlook. I’m a believer in Christ, but, y’know, there’s a lot of darkness out there. There’s a lot of darkness to come. I say that knowing that one day I get to live in paradise, so there’s a lot of reason for hope and redemption through Christ, so in one sense it’s a very joyful existence, and there are my circumstances.”

You can hear another track from the new release, Chief of Police in Chicago, here. Also worth checking out: The Shawl (all original musical settings of Psalms), and The Sickle and the Sheaves (a gospel album).

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