Sunday, January 22, 2012

Track Review: Tyler Ramsey - Ships

Fans of Band of Horses have definitely heard Tyler Ramsey's slick lead-guitar work, but most haven't heard his fantastic singer-songwriter albums. An Asheville, N.C. native, the folk sound of the mountains definitely shines through in his writing. Ramsey adds extra depth to his guitar playing through open tunings, finger-picking, and minimal musical accompaniments.

Ramsey joined Band of Horses in 2007, when he opened for them while simultaneously playing as lead guitarist in the group. Although his talents remain hidden in the backdrop of most songs, in Band of Horses' most recent release, Infinite Arms (2010), he wrote "Evening Kitchen" and co-wrote three other songs with lead singer Ben Bridwell.

"Ships" is a track from the first of Ramsey's two 2011 releases, A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea. Ramsey's voice, reminiscent of Mark Kozelek of Red House Painters (and quite possibly, Neil Young), gently carries you along, as does his adept finger-picking, as he sings of "sails... clinging desperately to ships that were once worthy".

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