The Swimmer

Tracker

Today I revisited their sophomore record POLK — another work that has meticulous beauty and craftsmanship through twelve tracks. Including a wonderful Brian Eno cover of SOMBER REPTILES. On John’s records, the sum of the parts are greater than the whole. It’s one of his gifts — I notice it all the time — even on the ones he produces for other artists. And it’s definitely true for all three TRACKER records and his original soundtracks. Each one just feels complete and right — handmade with care. And the art work and packaging are little works of art in themselves.

There are quite a few tracks I’m feeling this morning, but I have to go with another song featured on David’s mix tape in WOW AND FLUTTER. THE SWIMMER has stunning production quality — I love the doubled vocals and also the drums and grinding guitars in the bridge at 1:30. And that pedal steel over the chorus is pure gold. And what about those big crashing cymbals and piano at 2:45 that carries us out? What a track and a pretty incredible arrangement and mix.

Another thing I love about this song is that when I hear it, I remember little DAVID is a swimmer. He’s going to make it out of those treacherous waters.