Heavy Ghost, the debut album from David Michael Stith, who releases under the name DM Stith, was one of the highlights of last year.
It showcased Stith’s sumptuous singing and musical arrangements that mark him out as one of the most innovative singer songwriters currently releasing in the US. Like an unusual cross between Sufjan Stevens, whose Asthmatic Kitty album he is signed to, and Nina Simone, he sings with real emotion and grace.
To follow up the critical success of Heavy Ghost Athmatic Kitty have released a companion piece Heavy Ghost:Appendices, featuring some demos, alternative versions, remixes and cover versions.
As a companion piece it provides plenty to delight both those that bought Heavy Ghost and those new to his work.
There’s some good alternative versions, such as the demo of ‘BMG’ and the brass version of ‘Braid of Voices’. The covers also provide an insight into how Stith develops songs, such as his take on The Ronettes’ Be My Baby, which was a strong influence on BMB.
Among the strongest tracks are the covers on Disc 1, such as his stunning take on Diane Cluck’s ‘Easy To Be Around,’ and excellent versions of David Byrne’s ‘A Soft Seduction’ and Randy Newman’s ‘Suzanne.’
The weakest moments are the remixes on Disc 2 by the likes of Rafter. These offer little new to Heavy Ghost’s tracks, but this barely matters though considering the delights across Disc 1.
7.5/10
by Joe Lepper, July 2010
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