The Grain (Thoughts from Class)

Hey Guys!

Today’s discussion made me think a lot about this band from my small home state Rhode Island called Brown Bird. A few people mentioned artists who did some of their best work while in the hospital near the end of their lives, and how the grain is often stronger in those people. This song is from Brown Bird’s most recent (and final) album, and I think that it exemplifies the quality of the grain being strengthened under stress. It seems to me that people who are dealing with things in their lives such as severe sickness are able to pour all they have left into their art.

For some background on the band, Brown Bird is made up of a couple who have been playing together since around 2003. A few years ago, David Lamb was diagnosed with Leukemia, and as a last project he and his partner recorded this last album “Axis Mundi.” The album was released after his death. In my opinion, the music is already emotional without knowing their background, but the knowledge of the situation under which the album was recorded makes it easier to hear the grain.

Anyway, here’s their song “Tortured Boy.” I hope you like the grain.