Mark 'E' Everett's life story has contained considerably more than its' fair share of tragedy thus far. Within his close family circle alone, he's been forced to contend with death in several of its' most heartbreaking manifestations (cancer, suicide, alcoholism) and - while you could certainly argue it's helped fuel a spate of brilliant albums - it's difficult not to feel for him regardless of artistic considerations.
But there's no denying that his vivid, heart-rending story has provided the impetus for "Blinking Lights & Other Revelations": a sprawling, but intensely personal double album that tells E's story with magnificent gravitas and - on occasions - a wonderfully mordant humour. One of the things that has no doubt helped E survive along the way.
From said opus, "Trouble With Dreams" is - like its' predecessor "Hey Man! (Now You're Really Living)" - one of the record's superficially poppier moments, setting up a noir-ish atmosphere with a sinewy bassline, big proud drumming, tinkly fair light glockenspiels and ultimately a screechy, overheating Hammond organ. It's tempered by uncertainty, enigma and shadows, not to mention E's wonderfully grainy voice leaning into the darkness as he sings "Trouble with dreams is that they don't come true/ and if they do they can catch up with you."
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Affecting, intriguing and creepily infectious, "Trouble With Dreams" is another timely reminder that Mr.E is sitting on one of the year's very best albums. He continues to grow impressively in stature.
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