I Wonder How Many Are Still Alive\u00a0<\/em>appears in physical form for the first time and includes all ten tracks, courtesy of oscarson.<\/p>\nWe\u2019re thrilled to be able to write about this release, which the artist calls his \u201csecond debut album.\u201d \u00a0On this set, Alexander moves beyond acoustic guitar and invites numerous collaborators to flesh out his vision. \u00a0The album is dedicated to a friend named Miriam Lukszova, who passed away in 2021, one of three deaths that affected the composer in a compressed period of time. \u00a0\u201cModr\u00fd (For Miriam)\u201d is dedicated to her and sits at the heart of the set, followed later by a reprise. \u00a0Reminiscent of Pachelbel\u2019s Canon, the composition grows gently from acoustic guitar to strings and glockenspiel and intertwined, wordless voices, somehow melancholic and hopeful all at the same time, reflecting the multiple associations of its title, which means blue<\/em>.<\/p>\nIn our LAAPS review, we lamented the fact that \u201cLast Night of Summer\u201d was not included. \u00a0While summer is just about to launch, the track underlines the wistfulness of the season, which seems to start disappearing as soon as it begins. \u00a0Wordless female voice, acoustic guitar and field recordings create a gorgeous tapestry. \u00a0The presence of the 40-second \u201cBefore Time Runs Out\u201d between these two pieces adds a foreboding note; knowing that life can end at any time, one is urged to live fully and deeply. \u00a0The harmonium of \u201cAunt Lou\u201d echoes like an elegy. \u00a0And though the playground kids of \u201cR\u00e9uni De Toutes Parts\u201d shout about life and death, they seem oblivious to its impact.<\/p>\n
This being said, the album as a whole is a celebration of life, and contains a healthy amount of humor. \u00a0The album begins with footsteps, whistling and a barking dog, making one wonder if the walker should have taken that \u201cShortcut Through Harmon Park.\u201d \u00a0\u201cTalent Show\u201d might bring back the winces of elementary days, albeit with a smile; one can hear multiple participants rehearsing at once. \u00a0And \u201cRequiem for Rubber Bands\u201d is a reminder of the fun sounds that one can make with everyday objects, even from an early age. \u00a0The tentative notes vibrate with musical joy. \u00a0The dog returns late, in \u201cPerhaps a Bird,\u201d still barking, drawing things full circle.<\/p>\n
When one begins to mourn, one thinks primarily of loss; as the process continues, one remembers love and laughter. \u00a0Sorrow gives way to gratitude and soft acceptance. \u00a0I Wonder How Many Are Still Alive\u00a0<\/em>communicates this shift. \u00a0A year and a half after initial release, this tape may sound different even to the composer. \u00a0We\u2019re glad it\u2019s here. \u00a0(Richard Allen)<\/strong><\/p>\n
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<\/a>If the album title looks slightly but not completely familiar, it\u2019s because we reviewed Almost Home If I\u2019m Still Alive\u00a0<\/em>last year. \u00a0That LAAPS LP included Dalton Alexander<\/strong>\u2018s entire first album, plus three tracks from his second. \u00a0This year, I Wonder How Many Are Still Alive\u00a0<\/em>appears in physical form for the first time and includes all ten tracks, courtesy of oscarson.<\/p>\n