Nat Baldwin
Written by willshoob on Monday, 2 of November , 2009 at 7:23 pm
It has taken me entirely too long of a time to make this post. Any who, Nat Baldwin is the amazing bassist for Dirty Projectors, but he also makes some pretty fantastic solo music. It took me a while to actually listen to his records, but I haven’t been able to stop listening since that point. He plays the upright bass and sings, but writes insanely catchy, yet interesting tunes. He also has one of the best mustaches I’ve ever seen, and when I saw Dirty Projectors play on Halloween (two of the best shows I’ve ever seen) I tried convincing him to participate in No Shave November, the world’s best holiday.
Anyways, Nat’s latest record Most Valuable Player, came out in ‘08, but I only started listening to it a couple months ago. The album is thoroughly entertaining, starting off with the wonderful “Lake Erie.” A charming track, the double bass starts off the song, before Dave Longstreth comes in with the 12-string guitar. I like to imagine how frantic the recording session must have been, based solely on the fact that these two are such amazing musicians who both love to play crazy intricate parts. The chorus is catchy as fuck, but is put to rest by the frantic intro to the second verse. Nat uses his voice as an instrument throughout the entire album, something he has in common with fellow Projector, Mr. Longstreth. Another favorite of mine is “Dome Branches”, which has a bit of a darker, more orchestral feel to the chorus. Just as catchy, this song will have you singing the haunting chorus for quite some time. The hectic nature of the chorus is subdued and some nifty guitar work accompanies Nat’s tremendous playing. “De-attached” is another favorite, possibly my favorite on the entire record. Nat’s voice soars throughout the track, but really stands out during the chorus.
Most Valuable Player is Nat’s most accessible release, although I highly recommend some of his earlier work as well. Enter The Winter and Lights Out are both very good and very interesting, along with his split EP with the wonderful Extra Life. Download a couple of MVP (pun?) tracks below, and make sure to pick up the record. Buy it, don’t steal it.
Category: Albums
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Comment by Eli
Made Tuesday, 3 of November , 2009 at 5:02 am
Holy fuck his music is amazing. thank you Willie
Comment by peabo
Made Tuesday, 3 of November , 2009 at 2:48 pm
great album. “one two three” is another standout track
