Bleep

On 7th August 2019 the beloved singer-songwriter David Berman passed away. Best-known for his work in Silver Jews, the final record that Berman released in his lifetime was actually the eponymous debut LP from his new project Purple Mountains. You couldn’t have picked a better set of songs to stand testament to Berman’s genius. These tracks jangle and rustle with the air of well-worn Americana that Berman perfected in Silver Jews, but in their confessional warmth we can also detect the influence of both Arthur Russell and Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy’. Purple Mountains is a beautiful parting gift. Released shortly before his untimely death, the former Silver Jews ringleader and all-round down-and-out troubadour gifted the world a work of such glowing sincerity (a major feat considering his legacy as one of the most sincere songwriters of his generation). Purple Mountains, the LP and the moniker, is David Berman’s last will and testament; a document of painful honesty and world-embracing wit; the sound of an individual attempting to make amends for past mistakes before leaving the earthy plane altogether. Rest in peace.