Bill Ryder-Jones just released Yawn less than 10 months ago. To revisit it so soon and tweak it would smack of pretension. And to re-record the whole thing, in the same order, in versions with just voice and piano accompaniment would be the height of hubris. That said, what if that approach worked? What if that approach actually produced a work richer than the original release?
I think you can see why I asked that question if you've heard any parts of Yawny Yawn, which drops today via Domino. Yeah, it's the same songs in the same order but the overall effect of this version of the material is breathtaking. Believe me, I was skeptical going in to this, but must admit that there's a real gravitas in the epic version of "Time Will Be The Only Saviour" here, and in the even-longer "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" on this release, here drawn out in a manner that's nearly reminiscent of an ambient record, or an early Ed Harcourt track. Elsewhere, "John" is a whisper into the void, while "No One's Trying To Kill You" echoes material from both Nick Drake and David Sylvian. And while there aren't a lot of surprises sprinkled throughout this record, Yawny Yawn works as a mood-piece, the sort of record to put on late at night, when the weight of the world seems like it's pressing down from the ceiling. Bill Ryder-Jones deserves praise just for attempting this, and a bit more for making it work for the most part.
Yawny Yawn is out today via Domino.
More details on Bill Ryder-Jones via his official website, or via his official Facebook page.
[Photo: Bill Ryder-Jones Facebook page]