Look Down Upon the Valley

It's long past time for an update, now that everything's over.

Hot Buttered Rum String Band- Evolution

It's funny to hear a song that presents such a strong visual. The intro manages to pack the sound of a train traveling across a prairy, the Irish wilderness, a medieval castle, and a graveyard all into one 30 second piece. And then the actual song begins; the tale of an epic journey towards realization. The instruments slowly ramp up with the singer, as they explore metaphorically the philosophy of Darwin. Normally, this music would be folksy, "forest-made and listened to" kind of stuff, but because of the charming lyrics, it's passable with most music lovers. And, unlike most indie songs, this piece doesn't end just when it could have been most interesting. Each and every instrument gets a work out in an un-foreseen kind of way, and it keeps the continual unfolding fresh. I see a man climbing a mountain; there is a path, but it is treacherous and he is very caught up in the sights....only by sheer luck does he not fall. But the music is uplifting for the very reason that he doesn't fall. All of nature (represented by the instruments) are working to make sure just that: that he doesn't fall, that he doesn't fail in his climb. To see the top would be glorious.

To be at the top already, knowingly waiting for him, would be by far the best.