Starlite Walker

• Artist: Silver Jews
• Rating:
• Release Date: October 24, 1994
• Type: Lyrics are included with the album
• Genre: Rock

Review

Starlite Walker is a first for the Silver Jews on many levels. Not only is it the group's first full-length album, it's also the first recorded in a full-fledged studio -- Memphis' 24-track Easley Recordings -- as well as the first collection of songs penned almost entirely by Berman. The album's lyrical and musical richness comes partly from Berman's retreat to the woods of Oxford, MS in preparation for the record, and partly from the understated, intimate production. As a result, Starlite Walker collects some of the Jews' most diverse and affecting songs. Wry lyrics like "I just got back from a dream attack" from "Trains Across the Sea" and "On the last day of your life/Don't forget to die" from "Advice to the Graduate" let Berman's easygoing charm come to the front, while jangly and crunchy guitars, Malkmus' backing vocals, and Nastanovich's steady drumming punctuate his observations.

Though Starlite Walker is a more low-key, reflective affair than the Silver Jews' EPs, the album benefits from it, combining the laid-back experimentalism of the Jews' early work with more sophisticated and expressive songwriting. "Advice to the Graduate" and "New Orleans" turn from humorous to poignant with a simple chord change; "Rebel Jew" draws on the group's affection for country music; and instrumentals like "The Moon is Number 18" and "The Silver Pageant" add to the relaxed, homespun feel of the album. Repeated listening just enhances Starlite Walker's warm, off-the-cuff appeal. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Introduction II		Silver Jews
Trains Across the Sea	David Berman	Silver Jews
The Moon Is the Number 18	David Berman	Silver Jews
Advice to the Graduate (Lyrics)	David Berman	Silver Jews
Tide to the Oceans	David Berman, Stephen Malkmus	Silver Jews
Pan American Blues	David Berman	Silver Jews
New Orleans	David Berman	Silver Jews
The Country Diary of a Subway Conductor	David Berman	Silver Jews
Living Waters	David Berman	Silver Jews
Rebel Jew	David Berman	Silver Jews
The Silver Pageant	David Berman	Silver Jews

Credits

Silver Jews (Producer), Silver Jews (Engineer), Silver Jews (Main Performer), David Berman (Guitar), David Berman (Percussion), David Berman (Piano), David Berman (Vocals), Doug Easley (Pedal Steel), Doug Easley (Guitar (Steel)), Doug Easley (Whistle (Human)), Doug Easley (Producer), Doug Easley (Engineer), Davis McCain (Noise), Davis McCain (?), Steve West (Percussion), Steve West (Drums), Steve West (Vocals (Background)), Stephen Malkmus (Bass), Stephen Malkmus (Guitar), Stephen Malkmus (Percussion), Stephen Malkmus (Piano), Stephen Malkmus (Vocals (Background)), Bob Nastanovich (Synthesizer), Bob Nastanovich (Percussion), Bob Nastanovich (Drums), Bob Nastanovich (Vocals (Background)), Dan Mackta (Wurlitzer), Andra Sherman (Triangle), David McCain (Noise), David McCain (Producer), David McCain (Engineer), Billy Smith (Photography)

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