Acadie (CD - 1989)

Originally released in 1989, ACADIE was Daniel Lanois's first solo album after making his name with production work for Brian Eno, U2, Robbie Robertson, Bob Dylan, and others. This expanded reissue augments the original 12 songs with six additional tracks. The new material consists of demos and early versions of songs, including two very different early takes of "The Maker" and the source recording that inspired "Fisherman's Daughter." Longtime fans will find the additional material fascinating for its glimpses into Lanois's artistic process.

This stunning debut album by an artist that had hitherto been known only as a producer is priceless, and stands up well to repeated listening. It is a blend of New Orleans rhythm, rock, new age mysticism, and folk. It is not mushy but it is as caressing to the ear as to the mind. It has the very distinctive ethereal sound of the albums he produced for among others the Neville Brothers and Robbie Robertson. All the songs were written or co-written by Lanois, with the exception of the traditional "Amazing Grace" (done in an untraditional manner and sung by Aaron Neville). The songs affect a rural and uncomplicated yet very complete and full sound that brings the listener into their mood, swing into the full lilting joy of "Under a Stormy Sky," to the haunting and ominous "Where the Hawkwind Kills." His sound is a distinctive signature, that holds well with each different song and with each artist for whom he has fashioned albums. ~ Bob Gottlieb minimize