Description
Joan Shelley – The Spur – Silver Marble Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
2022 album from Joan Shelley
VMP exclusive silver marble vinyl
Limited to 500 copies
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released on June 24, 2022, Joan Shelley’s The Spur is a deeply reflective and intimate album that explores themes of love, nature, longing, and personal growth. Known for her gentle, evocative voice and poetic songwriting, Shelley crafts a collection of songs that are minimalist in their arrangements yet rich in emotional depth. The Spur stands as a testament to Shelley’s ability to balance simplicity and complexity, drawing listeners into a world where quiet introspection and lush natural imagery coalesce.
Produced by Shelley’s longtime collaborator and husband Nathan Salsburg, the album reflects the folk traditions that Shelley has long been associated with, but it also incorporates subtle elements of Americana, country, and even experimental sounds. The Spur is as much about Shelley’s personal reflections as it is about the shared human experience, offering a sense of solace and introspection that resonates deeply in our uncertain times.
Based in Kentucky, Joan Shelley has long drawn inspiration from the landscapes around her, with her music often reflecting the rhythms and cycles of the natural world. Over the years, she has become one of the most respected voices in contemporary folk music, admired for her delicate melodies, understated guitar work, and thoughtful lyrics. The Spur follows her 2019 self-titled album and was written during the lockdowns of 2020, a period that allowed Shelley to slow down and reflect on her surroundings and relationships.
While Shelley’s previous work has often been spare and acoustic, The Spur incorporates a more layered sound, featuring contributions from notable musicians like Bill Callahan, Meg Baird, and Salsburg himself. Despite these additional textures, the album maintains the intimacy and warmth that have always defined Shelley’s work, inviting listeners into a quiet, contemplative space.
At its core, The Spur is a folk album, but Shelley’s approach to the genre is anything but conventional. The arrangements are sparse yet expansive, with acoustic guitars, gentle percussion, and ethereal backing vocals creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Shelley’s voice—soft, clear, and expressive—guides the listener through each song, with a sense of quiet confidence and emotional depth.
Shelley’s music is rooted in the simplicity of acoustic guitar and voice, but the way she uses space and silence in her compositions is masterful. Songs like “Home” and “Like the Thunder” feature delicate guitar picking that complements her voice, while leaving plenty of room for the lyrics and mood to resonate.
While the album’s arrangements are generally minimal, subtle layers of instrumentation add richness and texture. The inclusion of strings, slide guitar, and atmospheric keyboards gives the album a fuller sound, as heard on tracks like “Amberlit Morning” (featuring Bill Callahan) and “The Spur.” These elements provide a sense of depth without overwhelming the intimacy of Shelley’s performance.
Shelley’s voice is often accompanied by soft harmonies, particularly from Meg Baird and Nathan Salsburg, which enhance the album’s ethereal, pastoral feel. Callahan’s baritone voice contrasts beautifully with Shelley’s light, airy tone on “Amberlit Morning,” creating a striking balance that adds emotional weight to the song.
Lyrically, The Spur is a meditation on life’s cycles—love, loss, growth, and the passage of time. Shelley’s lyrics often feel like poetry, filled with vivid natural imagery and quiet observations about the human condition. Her songwriting is personal yet universal, inviting listeners to find their own meaning within the songs.
Many of the songs on The Spur explore the complexities of love and relationships. On tracks like “Forever Blues” and “When the Light Is Dying,” Shelley reflects on the joy and sorrow that come with intimacy, capturing both the tenderness and the challenges of long-term connection. Her lyrics are often ambiguous, leaving space for interpretation, but they always carry a deep emotional resonance.
As in much of Shelley’s previous work, the natural world plays a central role in The Spur. Songs like “The Spur” and “Home” use imagery of landscapes, weather, and seasons to explore themes of longing and belonging. Shelley’s connection to nature is not just a backdrop for her lyrics—it’s intertwined with the emotions and stories she tells, creating a sense of place that grounds the album.
Written during a time of isolation and introspection, The Spur reflects Shelley’s personal journey of self-discovery. The title track, for instance, refers to the metaphorical “spur” that pushes one forward, even through uncertainty or fear. Themes of growth and change run throughout the album, offering a quiet sense of resilience and hope.
Notable Tracks
“The Spur”: The title track is a beautifully understated song that exemplifies Shelley’s delicate, poetic approach to songwriting. Her soft, clear vocals are accompanied by gentle acoustic guitar and subtle instrumentation, creating a sense of calm and introspection. The lyrics explore the idea of being driven forward by unseen forces, whether in love or in life.
“Amberlit Morning” (featuring Bill Callahan): This standout track features a duet with Bill Callahan, whose deep, resonant voice contrasts with Shelley’s ethereal vocals. The song’s sparse arrangement and melancholic tone create a sense of quiet longing, with Callahan and Shelley’s voices weaving together in a haunting harmony.
“Forever Blues”: One of the more introspective tracks on the album, “Forever Blues” explores the complexity of love and loss. Shelley’s voice is soft and emotive, with the minimal arrangement allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The song captures a feeling of quiet melancholy, balanced by a sense of acceptance.
“Like the Thunder”: This song features some of Shelley’s most vivid imagery, with lyrics that compare emotional turmoil to a storm. The acoustic guitar and gentle percussion give the song a rhythmic flow, while the atmospheric backing vocals add depth and texture.
“When the Light Is Dying”: A meditative ballad, this track reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Shelley’s voice is soft and contemplative, supported by a simple yet haunting arrangement that enhances the song’s reflective mood.
The Spur received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Shelley’s ability to create intimate, emotionally resonant music that feels both timeless and contemporary. Critics noted the album’s delicate arrangements, poetic lyrics, and Shelley’s unique voice, which have become hallmarks of her work. The album’s blend of folk, Americana, and minimalism has also been celebrated for its ability to evoke a sense of place and emotion, drawing listeners into Shelley’s world.
As one of the leading figures in the contemporary folk scene, Joan Shelley has continued to build on the legacy of artists like Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny, and Gillian Welch, while carving out her own distinct voice. The Spur further solidifies her reputation as a thoughtful and innovative songwriter, capable of crafting songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The Spur is a deeply reflective album that showcases Joan Shelley’s gift for crafting intimate, emotionally resonant songs. With its minimalist arrangements, poetic lyrics, and evocative use of natural imagery, the album offers a meditative listening experience that encourages introspection and connection. Shelley’s ability to balance simplicity with emotional depth makes The Spur a standout in contemporary folk music, and a testament to her continued evolution as an artist.
For fans of folk, Americana, or acoustic singer-songwriters, The Spur is a must-listen—an album that lingers in the mind and heart long after the final note fades.
Track Listing
Forever Blues
The Spur
Home
Amberlit Morning
Like The Thunder
When The Light Is Dying
Breath For The Boy
Fawn
Why Not Live Here
Bolt
Between Rock And Sky
Completely
