About this item

Sam Burton’s upcoming second album, Dear Departed, was produced by Jonathan Wilson (Angel Olsen, Father John Misty, Margo Price) at his Topanga Canyon studio with some of the best studio players in LA. Together, Wilson and Burton achieved a sound that doesn’t descend into retro pastiche, but rather becomes an evocative echo, a dream of the past. In scope, it finds Burton using a far bigger canvas than on his acclaimed 2020 debut I Can Go With You, giving the emotions therein a new sense of urgency and intensity. Burton has a knack for mining pure Laurel Canyon AM gold. Pastoral string arrangements bloom in the background of Sam’s striking honeyed vocals - like a modern-day Campbell, Orbison, or Nilsson.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Brittle acoustic guitar and swooning strings, hearty slo-mo country anthems and staggered lounge groove, all brought together with Burton's syrupy smooth vocals. A hugely evocative, expansive work that expands on his debut with aplomb. Lovely stuff.

TRACK LISTING

1. Pale Blue Night
2. I Don't Blame You
3. Long Way Around
4. Coming Down On Me
5. Empty Handed
6. Maria
7. I Go To Sleep
8. Looking Back Again
9. My Love
10. A Place To Stay