Devon Sproule
Keep Your Silver Shined
© 2006 Compost Cafe Music (634479225437)
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"Keep Your Silver Shined rings with a sweet, heartbreaking majesty; these songs are beautiful, timeless and transporting."- Davy Rothbart of This American Life
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“That’s me in the middle,” Devon Sproule laughs, pointing to the cover, “Not the pregnant one. One thing at a time!”
City Salvage and Tin Angel Records proudly announce the release of Keep Your Silver Shined, a new collection of songs from 24-year-old singer and guitarist Devon Sproule, with national promotion and distribution by Waterbug Records.
Produced by Jeff Romano in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains, Keep Your Silver Shined highlights Sproule’s talent for combining Appalachian, folk and jazz influences. From the front porch thump of "Old Virginia Block" to the high lonesome traditional "The Weeping Willow,” featuring fellow Virginia-native Mary Chapin Carpenter, this record finds Sproule making another important contribution to the Great American Songbook.
"’Keep Your Silver Shined’ rings with a sweet, heartbreaking majesty; these songs are beautiful, timeless and transporting."- Davy Rothbart of This American Life
Just home from a British support tour with Woodstock legend Richie Havens, Sproule, with her trademark vintage dresses and 50-year-old Gibson guitar, seems pleased.
“Being invited back to the UK is always good news. Folks there think you’re cool for coming, and folks at home think you’re cool for going. Keeps a girl’s chin up to be called cool once in a while. And the audiences are terrific.”
Though she may thrive on the road, Keep Your Silver Shined shifts the light to Ms. Sproule’s domestic life in Charlottesville, VA, with husband and fellow musician Paul Curreri. The record includes a duet by the two, “Eloise & Alex,” a Curreri original.
“You could call Keep Your Silver Shined my ‘Getting Married Album’, I guess. Being in love with Paul Curreri, in love with Virginia, deciding to settle down with both and figuring out how to make it all work. Ours ain't the most steady lifestyle -- a fact that doesn't always jive with the healthy, future-planning parts of being married. But we're happy, both writing, touring and getting the bills paid.”
Says producer Jeff Romano, "I think of this record as a picture of Devon's life. When the play button is pressed, a painted shutter opens and you feel the space of her company, her attention to everyday-life's detail. It helped that we recorded the whole thing in my living room - plants everywhere, sun shining through, wood floor and a high ceiling. It's a record that makes you feel right at home."
“Keep Your Silver Shined proves Sproule worthy of holding her own on a shelf with anyone from Joni Mitchell to Gillian Welch, while reminding you less & less of anyone you've ever heard before.” - Brady Earnhart, Poetry Professor, University of Mary Washington
Sproule's previous effort, Upstate Songs (City Salvage Records) was included in Rolling Stone's Critics Top Albums of 2003. Critic Julie Gerstein called the record, "perhaps the sweetest and most honest folk-pop album recorded this year," and added, "Sproule's vocal and lyrical beauty is unmatched."
Describing her girlhood on a 1960s-founded commune in rural Virginia, and the rope hammocks made there, Sproule sings in Silver’s, “Does the Day Feel Long,” “All my thinking back has been strung up between two tall trees / Some kind of language learned in the country / Grapes filled with a million seeds each.”
In “Stop By Anytime,” sparse drums hint at a bossanova. “Stop by anytime / I’ve got the bookshelves loaded and the backyard is green and blooming / Stop by anytime / Let the humidity curl your hair / And the mulberries stain your toes / If you could come around, I could show you down / To where the knots of the day untie / So stop by, stop by anytime.”
Sproule’s own jazz standard “Let’s Go Out” playfully complains, “There’s nothing in the fridge / Nothing in the cupboard / The jelly jar is empty / And I’m plum sick of peanut butter / A groundhog ate the lettuce / Right out of the ground / Honey, let’s go out!” A clarinet picks up the tune, backed by the brushes and bass of an able rhythm section.
“Devon Sproule has noteworthy guitar chops and an undeniably soulful vocal sensibility.” - The New Yorker
Born to hippie parents on a commune in Kingston, Ontario, Sproule claims dual citizenship with both Canada and the US. After moving between private, public and home schooling, she eventually left high school, recorded her first record, and began touring nationally -- all before the age of eighteen.
Keep Your Silver Shined presents an honest and sparkling portrait of Devon Sproule: candid, poetic and right at home.
reviews
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Just Great
author: Aaron DorfmanI saw Devon play at the Kerrville Folk Fest in Kerrville, TX. She played a solo acoustic set... magnificently, I might add. At any rate, this CD is a bit of a departure from what I first heard, as it has a full band behind her. Her creative (and impressive) guitar playing takes a back seat on the CD; but the great arrangements compliment her songs. My favorite two songs are Eloise & Alex and Stop By Anytime. I would definitely recommend picking up the CD if you like creative, indie-folk music with awesome lyrics.
perfect
author: mollymore jazzy than her other albums, it feels like a lazy sunday afternoon in summertime. It's just wonderful.
Keep Your Silver Shined
author: Sparky SparkaramaLovely! This girl has a voice like melted silver. I listen to this CD when my heart needs lifting and it does the trick. We got to see her and Paul Curreri recently on Lopez Island in Washington and they are absolutely genuine. Except for the freakish talent, they are just as real and down to earth as you and me.
Keep Your Silver Shined
author: Marjorie PingelI first heard music from this CD on World Cafe and fell completely under the spell of her quirky lyrics, fresh voice and unforgettable tunes. The songs from this album are really hard to get out of my head - but given I enjoy her work so much, that's a plus! I hope that she'll come to St. Louis at some point in the future and that we'll have an opportunity to see her in person! Thanks for this excellent music!
just love
author: Eadaoin O'Drudyi feel closer to home in my heart when i listen to devon.
Bought it at Lewes hardly stopped playing it since.
author: LittleBigVoiceHaving bought a signed copy from Devon at The Glorious Lewes Guitar Festival, I loved this album from the very first play. I videoed "Let's Go Out", put it on YouTube and love that track, but my most favourite song is the title track, which is just simply lovely, homely and cheers me up whenever I play it. Nice to meet you Devon and thank you for this album.
in love
author: allisonthis cd has started a love affair between devon and me. everyone i've played it for also feels the way i do and if you need any help building your own relationship i recommend seeing her in concert!!
One of the most talented songwriters of today
author: RyanI fell in love with Upstate Songs when I first heard the album, but Silver just blew me away... Simple arrangements, some of the most sophisticated and pure lyrics I've heard, blending jazz, bluegrass, rock, and folk; I loved it. Sproule is steeped in truth; I would believe every word she put down in song, for her attention to detail, portrayal of every day life, and small witticisms hidden in brilliant lyrics. I can only hope to ever be a small fraction of the songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist that she is.
- author: kara
Until a couple of weeks ago Devon was to me synonymous with cream teas and sandy, if a bit chilly beaches, but then one click on MySpace and Devon became red dirt and the Blue ridge mountains, girls with guitars twice their own age and the voice of a country jazz angle whose use of the English language has confirmed my belief that Mr Bush is not a good example of an American. Having been really impressed by the tracks on MySpace I ordered the CD, which arrived very quickly and is excellent from beginning to end. The writing talent of Devon Sproule is equal to that of Shane McGowan, although her teeth are in a much better state. Like McGowan she has taken an established musical style and completely refreshed it to be totally relevant to life today. It’s whimsically light like a fresh white wine oozing sunshine, then it’s rich and dark like a good Bordeaux , shouting drink me drink me drink me… Devon will never sound the same again
Qurky and individual
author: BluesbunnyWhilst the multinational music machine continues its unrelenting progress towards fully production engineered music, it fails to notice that its hand crafted independent nemesis is gathering strength. Quirky and individual, this release from Devon Sproule is quite the sweetest album that the Bluesbunny has heard in some time and is a perfect example of the quality achievable in the independent sector. Performed with delicacy and wit, this was quite a difficult album to review. There was just so little to criticise. Everything from the songs to the production gelled together to produce something quite special. "Let's Go Out" has a jaunty, Noel Coward feel to the lyrics and "Stop By Anytime" redefines charming to a shuffling samba beat. The title track, "Keep Your Silver Shined", featured some sharply allegorical lyrics to the artificiality of modern life. Our favourite was "Does the Day Feel Long?" In its delightfully meandering way it made us think of long summer days and better days. Devon Sproule makes magic from the mundane. Totally entrancing and good for the soul, this album may well be the aspirin that takes away the pains of modern life. It is certainly an album that you will return to time and time again
wonderful
author: Graceshe's the most talented and unique gal out there - i highly recommend this cd to any folk music enthusiast
This CD will be on my Favorites list indefinitely
author: Nancy KellyI'm LOVING Devon's new record. It was well worth the wait. The title song is polished as Silver which, along with all the songs, has layers of intelligence and enchantment. Every time I give this CD a spin, another phrase in each song rises to the surface and brings on a new smile, a laugh-out-loud, or even a tear here and there. . .And the music is never in danger of outshining Devon's pure vocals even though it's obvious all the players play really well. I suspect that Keep Your Silver Shined will be on my favorites list indefinitely.
Excellent
author: Mark SHer voice is so real and the songs just flow really well. Had the chance to see her live last week and that was a treat as well. Her personality is as humble and kind as her songs.
Buy two copies - one for your home and car!!!!
author: Luis FerreiraI'm not kidding. This CD will stay in your cd player for a long time! Beautiful verses turn into choruses that give you chills. Devon's voice is addicting and the musicianship on this album is equally praiseworthy. One of my favorite albums of all time.
- author: Jody
thanks for your words and your music...with my speaker poking out from the windows ledge i can hang by the fire and comfortably party with your tunes babe! keep on going and keep on doing what your doing.
Really good.
author: JasonI don't write very many of these reviews and I don't really know how to critique music...but let's just say, when I'm laying on my bed and my eyes are closed...this is the kind of CD I'd listen to. Great lyrics! So thoughtful and peaceful (at times) and interesting. Thanks for the awesome CD, Devon! Come back to Vassar!
Brilliant and jazzy
author: KettleDevon's voice is like listening to the trees of VA if they had a guitar and a mike. Love this girls' sass and poise on the stage - 5 stars for this cd- run out and pick it up
AN OUTSTANDING ALBUM!!!!
author: Jordan S.Devon is a rare songstress with the magic touch! Every song on this album is beautiful! Sample any track on cdbaby's great website and argue!
Pure to the bone
author: Heather KingJust beautiful! Openning song "old Virginia block" gets your toes tapping! Makes you want to live in VA - it's for lovers! Great, great heartwarming album.
Richly, boundlessly, dumbfoundingly good
author: Carsie BlantonWith Keep Your Silver Shined, Devon takes a running leap from the shining green meadows of youthful melancholy and mischief into a deep, star-pocked summer evening pond of gentle gratitude and sumptuous marital bliss. At first bashful to have found ourselves barefoot and dripping, sipping rum and ginger on the shore, after a song or so the awe sets in and we wade merrily out, counting our own blessings along the way.
- author: Katrina McMinds
Beautiful piece of work Mrs Sproule has added under her vintage dress belt! I have been a huge fan of Devon's since I met her 5 years ago, and I'm still in love with her music. Her new CD makes me want to go outside with a camera and take pictures of everything I see and make it beautiful in my own way. 'Keep Your Silver Shined' is just lovely. Every new piece of work that she produces is a change from the previous, of course it demonstrates how we all change from the things in life that we come in contact with and experience. Simply elegant and beautiful Devon, keep up the good work! To everyone else, BUY THIS CD!
Fun & Fab
author: Ed GoodsteinI also think it's my favorite of her albums-- and I love the others too. Her singing is great, if anything even better here (I like the acquired Virginia drawl aspects!) & the lyrics may seem simple or just stream of consciousness, but I think a lot of thought to them & they can grab ya. & ok, I love stuff like the juxtaposition of her being sick of peanut butter & a groundhog eating the lettuce on "Let's Go Out." Delight and intelligence. Lots of layers but fun not sacrificed. Yay!
DEVON DOES IT AGAIN!
author: Holly HatcherDevon Sproule never ceases to amaze me. She continues to mature as an artist and this album is a testament to that growth. It's fun, beautiful and the sweetest piece of ear candy I've heard in awhile. Virginia is lucky to have her. If you are smart, you'll have a bit of her too and buy this album.
- author: Teryll
A trip down a Virginia lane, Devon's music is intoxicatingly beautiful and mesmerizing. Recently caught a glimpse of her live and her performance was magical. This is a must add to your collection!
Best Yet!!
author: Ernest Dobson - EnglandBest Yet!! I loved the poetic Upstate Songs but this is better still. There's a much greater variety of styles. Compulsive listening - just set your deck for REPEAT ALL. It's a long time since I've heard anything so original. Just outstanding.