Search - Mojave 3 :: Spoon & Rafter

They've Done it Again, Another Amazing Album

All Wrapped Up in Books | Battle Ground, WA USA | 09/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been listening to "Spoon and Rafter" for about a week now and I feel like I know it well enough to write a review. The style of this album is a marked departure from their past two albums, "Out of Tune" and "Excuses for Travellers," which epitomized the sun-drenched, blissed-out countrified pop sound. "Spoon and Rafter" throws some piano-driven rhythms and more experimental production into the mix. Glockenspiel and restrained synths, first heard on Neil Halstead's solo album, are also included.Starlight No. 1 is an amazing pop song with an infectious chorus. "All up Above" is a beautiful song and features some of Mojave 3's trademark slide guitar work. Thanks to this album, I believe I have found one of the most beautiful and haunting songs I have ever heard, "Hard to Miss You." The piano line and fragile production are incredible and must be heard. Overall, "Spoon and Rafter" finds Mojave 3 stepping outside of their traditional sound and the results are truly amazing. Buy this album, you owe it to yourself."

Music this good should be shared to the whole world

Erik C. | Clifton Park, NY USA | 02/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Imagine a long stretch of highway heading into the sunset under a cool breeze signaling the change from summer's bountiful life to autumn's shortening days. Now imagine a soundtrack for this event. It would be anything from Mojave 3, especially this record. For some reason, this album brings about stirring reflections of landscape, longing, and escape. Theres a rare sound that is described as flowing, country, folkish, ambient, and hauntingly beautiful and sad.
The album starts with "Bluebird of happiness", which seems like more of an album closer than an album opener, which somehow is how I think they wanted it to take place. This song, a beautiful epic song about longing for peace, is pace setter for the rest of the album. The rest of the album flows along, with some very strong songs and a few not so strong, but the last two songs, "Too many mornings", and "Between the bars", perhaps are the best written songs on the album. But all songs are musically and lyrically excellent...just a step up from the awesome "Out of tune" cd, and very different from the extreme mellow "Ask me tomorrow". I am still relatively new with this band, but I can say their music is incredibly infectious, and the sound is definitely something I long for. No, this music is not depressing...but meaningful, and hopeful.
A must have cd, as is all cds by this artist. The mainstream has yet to find artists this sincerely talented...Perhaps thats what us real music lovers want...But its a shame not to share music this good to the world."

A Gorgeous Album

Erik C. | 05/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As always - haunting, bittersweet, retrospective, and unbearably beautiful. If you're a fan of Mojave 3, you'll love this album. I disagree with those who say this is their weakest album - after listening to it for months, I think these are their most beautiful songs to date. And I don't think Rachael Goswell has ever shined brighter. The highlights are Bluebird.., Starlight.., Between the bars, and my personal favourite Writing to St. Peter, a haunting and subtle song that takes your breath away once Rachel joins in on the chorus. A tragically underappreciated band."