Although
Jimmie Dale Gilmore
has never been what one would call prolific -- his recording career is characterized by lengthy gaps in between albums, seemingly for no reason other than he doesn't particularly feel like recording -- his albums are among the finest in
country
music. 1996's aptly-titled
Braver Newer World
finds the Lubbock native moving away from the staunch musical traditionalism that characterized his earlier releases, into a brilliant fusion of pure
, mystical explorations, and sonic experimentation that foreshadows the
psychedelic
tilt of nominally
alt-country
albums like
Wilco
's
Summer Teeth
or
the Jayhawks
'
Smile
. Produced by
T-Bone Burnett
and featuring the gifted multi-instrumentalist
Jon Brion
on guitars and keyboards,
places
Gilmore
's characteristically spiritual lyrics in vivid musical settings that complement but never obscure his singular worldview and magnificent high lonesome voice. The glorious title track, one of the most achingly beautiful songs of its time, is only the first of many highlights; the resigned
"Headed for a Fall"
and the uplifting
"Come Fly Away"
are nearly as brilliant, and a quirky but successful reimagination of
Blind Lemon Jefferson
blues
standard
"Black Snake Moan"
is one of the most musically daring tracks of
's career. Pure
traditionalists may blanch, but
's never been one to do the expected at any point in his career, and
is arguably his finest work. ~ Stewart Mason