Memphis

A Little Place in the Wilderness (Good Fences)

By Jonathan Shipley
Published: April 23rd, 2007 | 3:07pm

Memphis is not Stars. It almost is, though. Torquil Campbell, the lead singer and founder of Stars, along with Chris Dumont, and other talented musician friends, form the backbone that is the lush pop group that is Memphis. The songs on their excellent album A Little Place in the Wilderness(after their EP A Good Day Sailing) are a little bit reflective and a little bit dreamy; a touch literate with a dollop of preciousness.

Recorded in a hotel room in Vancouver and at a studio in Montreal, the album is a success all the way down the ten gorgeous tracks. The title song is the story of a guy with dreams, a guy wanting to fit into the great scheme of things, wanting something to fulfill his life. The song is inspirational in a way that doesn’t smash you over the head with its positive message. “Swallows and Amazons” is a quiet meditative instrumental tune that could fit in nicely as background music to a classic Twin Peaksepisode. “I Dreamed We Fell Apart” has Campbell’s gentle lyrics creeping into your cerebellum while guitars softly strum. “I make up words and you play guitar / It lets us know at least we’ve come this far.” “Incredibly Drunk on Whiskey” is a boot-tapping happy little ditty complete with clarinet that’s not that boozy at all, but rather delicate.

There’s something very relaxing about the album. Dumont creates compositions that have touches of jazz while Campbell’s hypnotic vocals weave throughout. It’s the kind of album that’d be perfect for a rainy day with its sweet strains and warm refrains. You’re indoors with your significant other cuddled up on the sofa under a blanket. It’s cozy like that.