Album Review: The Ballad of Boogie Christ by Joseph Arthur

From the beginning, and even on his best work, there has always been something haphazard about Joseph Arthur's recordings. He's always tried so hard to capture the heat of the moment in the studio, that he can get sloppy, thus blunting impact. The Ballad of Boogie Christ changes that. A successful crowd-funding drive netted him a big budget and he spent it getting it right.

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Joseph ArthurThe Ballad of Boogie Christ(Lonely Astronaut)Rating: 4 out of 5 stars When you’re writing from the perspective of a fictionalized character, it takes quite a journey to nail down a solid story line—let alone enough interesting melodies and compelling lyrics to back it up. That’s the journey that Grammy-nominated alt rock singer Joseph Arthur has been on for the past several years. During a career that has spanned nine full-length albums and 11 EPs, Arthur has been socking away songs and ideas that weren’t yet ready for listening ears.

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Joseph Arthur is a singular type of songwriter. In terms of his prolific output, diverse sonic palette balancing experimentalism with accessibility and his sheer sincerity, he’s nearly unrivaled among his peers. Arthur’s integrity and his knack for seeing the light through the gloom are the origins from which all of his artistry flows, be it musical or in paint.

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Joseph Arthur’s The Ballad of Boogie Christ (out June 11 on his Lonely Astronaut label) opens with “Currency of Love,” which is Arthur like we rarely hear him. Singing forcefully, almost theatrically, pushing at the limits of his voice. He’s backed by horns and a bouncing piano, tapping (awesomely) the spirit of Randy Newman. “Saint of Impossible Causes” is a return to form.

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