Purple Mountains - Self-Titled ALBUM REVIEW

[@jackslap6618]

I knew david personally, he was a friend of my dads and he was the sweetest person ever, he used to buy me and my sister tons of gifts whenever he met us RIP

[@matureyoungman]

very avuncular dude with a deep sadness,

[@gman7940]

The saddest people are always like that, So often They are the sweetest people you’ll ever meet 🥲

[@christiangasior4244]

⁠he reminds me of mark Linkous and Elliott smith in his mannerisms and well the way he died too

[@christiangasior4244]

Also Vic Chesnutt. They all seemed like they wanted to crawl out of their own skin half the time and I understand that.

[@deathbyignoranceYT]

my dad’s friend was one of the guitarists for jews/purple mountains it’s a shame I never got to meet David but it’s so great that he was directly in your life like that

[@matthewmcmurry1]

"I hope that David doesn't disappear in to the ether for a long time once again" :(

[@peelslowly28]

It's up to us now that that doesn't happen

[@curly-d23]

Ooof 😞

[@MasDouc]

@@peelslowly28 Man, you have an amazing way of looking at the world.

[@johnjohnson4484]

the dead know what theyre doing when they leave this world behind

[@lukemcguire6363]

Shouldve seen that coming. You cant be that sad and live that long. RIP David, we feel your pain. Buy this album. It's awesome. Get the rest too. Great songwriting

[@aaronmatlock1080]

“David Berman... forever.”

[@gzig61]

Thank you

[@Xeroxium]

"I hope that David doesn't dissapear into the ether for a long time again..." This, unfortunetly, has not aged well. Hopefully the ether David is in now is peaceful for him. Rest in Peace.

[@andreberg8606]

F

[@meadowshorerecords8138]

Yeah this comment by Anthony kinda killed me.

[@jaidsalgado]

Wait what this guy died?? I've been enjoying this album, last summer specifically. And just now I find out he passed away... I had never heard of him or his music before

[@matiassanz3694]

@@jaidsalgado He kill himself like a month later he dropped the album

[@jaidsalgado]

@@matiassanz3694 yes I found out... sad 😞

[@RevolverBabou]

RIP David Berman. Gone too soon :(

[@thehaight68]

welp. we now know what this album is - and it's just crushing.

[@MasDouc]

A suicide letter that doubles as a bear hug for the ear drums.

[@lukemcguire6363]

Swan song. Debilitating. I love it. Possibly his best though I cant think of any I dont absolutely love. He was wrong about the last few SJ albums not being good. Theyfe some of my favorite

[@MiniMuni69]

Imagine giving an album an 8 and not wearing a yellow flannel.

[@juju-vl7oj]

The Tiger shirt has made several appearances, is it equivalent to the flannel?

[@MiniMuni69]

juju 32 🤔

[@Xeno_Ice]

Críes in uboa

[@lerrygindgren2076]

juju 32 yeah i think he wore it for the dicaprio 2 (by JID) review which got a light 8

[@williamkanyike1956]

DragonNinjaJedi _ light 8’s don’t get the flannel

[@renapeppers20]

This is absolutely heartbreaking. I was watching, JUST TODAY, this review and the best albums of the month video and i was ready to listen to the album and now David is dead. Fucking heartbreaking man. Rest in peace.

[@SplishMilos]

I personally liked songs like all my happinesss is gone and I loved being my mother son, especially cause they seem so visceral to me, not hiding in any witty lyrics or sarcasm

[@melaniemotley359]

"drawn up all my findings, and I warn you they are candid"

[@vojtechcerny4839]

2 best lyrics on the album along with Margaritas. :)

[@cardinalman7]

People always talk about the flannels. But I for one feel like the tiger shirt gets consistent wear but no appreciation in these reviews

[@freezingdart]

Berman's suicide after the album release I think in hindsight makes it impossible to see the album as anything other than a suicide note. I disagree with the snubbing of Snow is Falling in Manhattan for this reason. The song is about how songs (including this one) are a space that the author harbors the listener in.

[@readymade83]

RIP David Berman, listened to this album earlier and saw the news just now. Sad.

[@ZarekxL]

I remember when you had that silver Jews song in an intro. I discovered silver Jews and so many other wonderful artist over the years thanks to you. Thanks, Anthony. Can’t wait to listen to this.

[@manishg3216]

this was wonderfully earnest 0/10 reported

[@georgekearney8595]

which SJ song was it

[@3DKURLS]

Review The Big Day again, Fantano. Don't change the score or anything, it would just be funny to give it a double zero.

[@Dethmaster64]

Imagine Chance becoming the only artist to receive two 0/10 scores

[@veeti4210]

Lmao yea like, its a different recording but the same script and everything.

[@Gui-San]

He would then give it a third review where it gets a 7...

[@bencesteininger4504]

𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓷 nice

[@withnail-and-i]

Even Kid Cudi got a better score

[@iamalittleboat]

I had no previous familiarity with any of Berman's exploits, but this album instantly made me a huge fan.

[@daswgn]

Honestly you can't go wrong with the Silver Jews back catalogue. American Water (which has Stephen Malkmus on it) and Bright Flight are excellent. David is fantastic and I was very pleasantly surprised that he made another album

[@lukemcguire6363]

I am soooo happy to hear this. I've just been listening to SJ because I'm depressed AF but this is great to hear. :)) he never made an album i didnt like. Clever as hell lyrics and catchy fucki g tunes plus some extra stuff for the chronically depressed

[@fufycaz78]

same here and instantly sad after reading about his death

[@andyford9542]

Thanks for this, Anthony. This is the first time I’ve seen this review. David was a close family member of mine and I’ve always felt that Purple Mountains was an intentional suicide note to the world and I’m glad that you picked up on that before David ended his life.

[@corruptedtacoss]

If that Ybn cordae and Rich Brian review doesn't come out I'm gonna have to make my own opinion and that's scary

[@theresnoway440]

I think he recorded cordae today

[@gusarnoldd]

corruptedtacos he said that he’s doing both

[@jamesaidan7425]

They’re both 8/10’s

[@leajey4279]

@@jamesaidan7425 Nah he's gonna give Cordae a 7 and Rich Brian a 6 or a 7

[@phos4680]

@@jamesaidan7425 he would probably give Cordae a 6 and Brian a 7

[@takingnone1780]

You only gave this album an 8/10 cause it’s good

[@fredrickcosma8942]

cornSauce facts, he’s so bias when it comes to good music

[@youthofyesterdayrecords]

Yes. Still, no Horseleg Swastikas here. Almost .

[@MasDouc]

Been waiting for this, I loved this album. It's so good to have Berman back making music. You hit the nail on the head with wishing you wrote the lyrics. They're so simple yet hold so much weight. "How we stand the standard distance distant strangers stand apart". That's just some good writing dudes.

[@TheMasterKieran98]

Your username does not fit with this wholesome comment lmao

[@nickfromCO]

It’s my album of the year. Tremendous

[@MasDouc]

@𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓷 Agreed, I've always loved "A Cowboy Overflow of the Heart". The man has a way of writing words that will crush your soul.

[@christianmccord9456]

𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓷 :(

[@MasDouc]

@𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓷 I still can't put into words how I feel. Everything is grey. Everything is grey now.

[@JacobHTMHF]

Took me scrolling through 25 comments before I saw one that actually talked about this album/review. Anyway, this is probably my AOTY right now and I'm glad Anthony liked it too Edit: Rest In Peace, David :(

[@JacobHTMHF]

@@ravensfunhouse1034 got em

[@lukemcguire6363]

Fuck yeah. Mine too

[@Rishiyisus]

This album is a comfort zone when I hate myself

[@fallenishvalen9970]

David is a friend to us all in our darkest times

[@VolvagiasBlaze]

damn, this album really was an alarming indication of things to come. It's always a shame when a musician takes his own life, losing a creative soul always takes a toll on the world, but now we can only hope he's no longer in pain. RIP Mr. Berman

[@doldrumz]

Random Rules, unfortunately. R.I.P. Dave. We never met and never will, but you will be always someone very important and inspiring in my life. Whatever you believe is or isn't "after death" I just hope you won't suffer any longer.

[@culturefukd6737]

I am a late comer to Purple Mountains. But the songs and words that Berman put forth here have hit me in a particular spot. It's a painful, beautiful, tragic record. R.I.P David

[@NateAnderson69]

This album seriously helped me. Berman's unique and dreamy delivery, coupled with his somber songwriting really highlighted, from an unbiased point of view, the permanency and finality of death. I struggle with suicidal thoughts and tendencies, and songs like "Nights That Won't Happen", and "I Loved Being My Mothers Son", despite their dealings in dismal and dreary themes, really helps me deal with the mental bindings that plague me. This album is really poetic. And it's beauty is derived from its gloom, somehow. R.I.P., David Berman. I wish I could have told him how much this record has helped me, as silly as a fantasy as that may seem.

[@yobzobblerr]

"I hope he doesn't disappear into the ether for a long time..." -- Anthony Fantano, master of understatement

[@surfaceleveljamie2845]

Rest in peace David Berman, this album is a masterpiece and will be remembered 🙏

[@Rohishimoto]

Swear to God only listened to this album once so far but I think it's one of my favorite of all time already

[@xannyxe5786]

Look Anthony, we didnt need you praising "The Sailor" by Rich Brian the whole review. Otherwise good review!

[@withnail-and-i]

People will like this comment, but the true hidden gem of the last month is MIKE - Tears of Joy (it's on the level of Some Rap Songs, a must-listen!)

[@dawsonhicks5929]

And I oh my god stop

[@withnail-and-i]

@@dawsonhicks5929 Itsa true

[@ryannichols2046]

I hope you listen to purple mountains

[@TheDAWinz]

What a very good album, great review Anthony

[@sekoominen4461]

this is strange

[@OkaySoShit]

@@sekoominen4461 no

[@wgraefe]

thank you for digging into the song night's that won't happen. one of the most haunting tracks I've ever heard and I've had it on repeat since the record came out. so sad.

[@PaulLvideos]

Anthony, your review perfectly summed up this much anticipated album. As a long term fan, I think it may have actually helped me to appreciate it a little bit more. From your review, I get the feeling that you are something of a fan yourself. Such a tragic loss... David Berman forever.

[@deadenddrive-in3166]

Fantano should do a Silver Jews album for Classics week

[@PaulBenjaminJenkins]

This album is nothing short of a light to decent 9.

[@hollybrabra]

What the world needs now is David Berman. Also, Tanglewood Numbers is an underrated record imo.

[@MasDouc]

No one could capture the current zeitgeist better than Berman. His words are like a soothing balm for a wounded generation.

[@BrorealeK]

@Bernie SanderZ what a sentence to come from someone named "Bernie SanderZ".

[@lukemcguire6363]

Exactly! Tanglewood numbers is genius. He didnt write an album I dont love to the bone

[@lukemcguire6363]

I dont know why everyone wants to go on about American water. It's great but his later shit is just better

[@mikeporten8174]

The album is basically a suicide note.

[@lukemcguire6363]

No. It is not

[@lukemcguire6363]

You could call it a swan song. You could say that about any of his albums, man. They're all full of sad shit. Not a suicide note at all though, imo. Just an 8ntensely soul crushingly debilitatingly sad album. I like the catchy tunes that are downright depressing. DC always had a knack for that. Suffering jukebox is a good one from one of those albums this dude said werent very good. The final SJ albums are great, I think

[@UenoHeavyIndustries]

I always thought darkness and cold was such a complex track with many of the lyrics having double meanings. 'The light of my life is going out tonight' could be read as his love interest going on a date with someone else OR the light of his life going out as in his life ending like it's a candle being blown out.. RIP Dave

[@mondoseguendo6113]

That’s why I find this album so difficult to listen to.

[@medes5597]

Thanks for that observation that's the entire point of the song, captain obvious. Truly.

[@davecespedes5674]

Damn, this review hurts so bad now, I never met David but I definitely miss him

[@JuanaWynWithers]

No idea how someone wouldn't like Storyline Fever or Snow is Falling, but I'll accept a decent 8.

[@matthewgunn9719]

Storyline fever was a 10/10 reminded me of Blue Arrangements

[@JuanaWynWithers]

@@matthewgunn9719 10/10 for sure. Love it soooo much.

[@cmictel]

Sounds like someone has storyline fever.

[@lukemcguire6363]

10/10

[@Themaster2399]

you should do american water for classics week, rip :(

[@samcantin3133]

R.I.P. David Berman :(

[@sandraheaton1084]

I was so sorry to hear news of his passing. I'm sure his problems were made much worse by his monstrous old man. Imagine having the sensitivity and vulnerability of a D. Berman, and having to endure a parental figure the likes of Richard Berman. What a tragedy. R.I.P.

[@garyives1218]

I wasn't aware David Berman passed away. Damn! I just came here to comment on how much I enjoyed this album. I just picked it up by suggestion purchasing another album. I wasn't familiar with him or the other bands. This is heartbreaking :(

[@mateuscarvalho3870]

David Berman is one of the greats, really glad that he came back with a record as good as this one.

[@Thome90]

David Berman is dead.....wtf i was listening to the album and just wanted to check out his wiki and then.....wtf

[@znet9452]

i see this album as a sort of suicide note in a way, it’s kind of like a final goodbye, which is really upsetting, but it’s amazing too

[@Anonymousbanjo5]

Especially in Nights that never happened Found the album a couple days ago and everytime I listen I feel the same way

[@rileysummers9757]

It's definitely a suicide note. 100%

[@androos4135]

Rest in peace David... you brought me joy, sadness and you enabled me to see the world the way it is

[@birdbrain4445]

'The dead know what they're doing when they leave this world behind...' 12 words to cut straight through your heart. R.I.P.

[@Jester_851]

Part of me is happy that you finally reviewed this since it's my current AOTY yet part of me is sad because Snow is Falling in Manhattan is my favourite from the album :(

[@cactaceous]

This is one of Berman’s best albums if not his best. At least up there with American Water. It deserved a yellow flannel man to get him some much due better recognition. He’s going through some rough ass times.

[@MasDouc]

Honestly as much as I love American Water this is his greatest achievement. He emerged from the darkness with a god damn masterpiece.

[@cactaceous]

Massive Douche Yeah, I’m leaning that way too. The songs are so well structured and all are accessible yet poetic. I’m a fan of Woods, seen them live a few times, so to me it’s a great collab. Berman’s is going through hard times. Hope the acclaim of this album and his upcoming tour, which I will most certainly catch, will help him get back on his feet. I can’t stop playing this album. It’s like you said, probably his best.

[@lukemcguire6363]

Of course it's better than American water. Most of his albums are. His work has improved over time. Late SJ rules

[@lukemcguire6363]

And this will be remembered as his best probably...? Idk. Its among his best imo. I cant honestly pick the best

[@Ryokon101]

I know he died years ago but i've just got into this album recently and i'm in a very bad place myself and this album makes me feel slightly less alone. fckin hell david im sorry brother, rest in peace man

[@VangaurdTDS]

Loving the sound of this album, and as someone who has been struggling with depression as long as I can remember and having lost a close family member to suicide a lot of the themes and lyrics really resonated with me. Would not have found this record without you Anthony, thank you!

[@TheHDAsian]

that’s a weird way of spelling Rich Brian - The Sailor.

[@withnail-and-i]

You mean MIKE - Tears of Joy, but it's forgiven.

[@ahhhh4723]

@@withnail-and-i he slept on this one fr, didnt even make it into his yunoreviews

[@andreberg8606]

R.i.p David Berman. What a tragic and spectacular way to go

[@mockturtlesuppe]

Hey folks, I know it's a meme and all, but why don't you just sit quietly and watch this review of an album Fantano really liked, instead of complaining that he hasn't reviewed the albums _you_ already really like?

[@palbo4]

Thank you, it's so refreshing seeing comments like this instead of the usual obnoxious alternative. Especially on such an emotionally intense album like this

[@thorhansen665]

We out here reviewing music and shit. Keep up the good work, melon!

[@terryprofitt6902]

That is mean Mellon

[@TheMetalTempestYT]

Wholesome.

[@johncoltrane7899]

I'd just discovered David Berman and since buying this album it's become an instant favourite. But given the crushing news I'm not sure how I can return to it and whether my enjoyment of its dark humour is appropriate anymore. Maybe I should try separate what has happened and enjoy the art he left. Either way, I feel I arrived at the party far too late, but just glad I made it eventually. Gutted.

[@steadyrhythms9571]

Rest In Peace, truly heartbreaking.

[@danyoman5617]

Nights That Won't Happen. That song was well reviewed. A sad and haunting masterpiece.

[@madrigale6396]

So sad to hear that David Berman has died and likely via suicide. So many of the people I respect have succumb to suicide over the years. I hope there's peace out there for those souls. Know that we loved you regardless.

[@jackofallfades2656]

The world failed him. We didn't deserve him. We prefer to shun and clown and cringe at feeling, lest we be hurt, or God forbid caught on camera feeling. James Baldwin addressing a crowd once said "something awful is happening to a civilization, when it ceases to produce poets, and, what is even more crucial, when it ceases in any way whatever to believe in the report that only the poets can make." We have only doubled down since that portentous prognosis he made and David was just a single significant victim in it. Bill Callahan would also like to remind us "No matter how far wrong you've gone you can always turn around"

[@donnie6198]

Thank you for always introducing me to new music, Antnee. You're the best you're the best, can't wait to see what you review next

[@jna9841]

Snow is Falling in Manhattan is really good. You're trippin'. Nonetheless, I'm glad you reviewed this.

[@Bnk12x]

the fact he died 5 days after this video came out is tragic

[@jeff8835]

What a gift this album is!!! This is a case where the artist gives their all for just so some can enjoy what he did.

[@cameronr3708]

Loved this album! Glad to see you did too!

[@jacobburckhardt513]

Yesterday morning I bought tickets to see Purple mountains live. 8 hours later I found out Berman is dead... fuck.

[@LordLucario99]

Jacob Burckhardt don’t forget your refund

[@zameking]

I've been in your following for a year or two now as long with David's, actually the day he died, but the first I've seen this video. Your a good dude, holler if ur ever in the 580

[@shamus8687]

Way deep down at some substratum Feels like something really wrong has happened. Rest in peace David Berman.

[@jwbartel6]

and I confess I'm barely hanging on

[@eugenioschirato8353]

Rest in Peace, David

[@yearnpill]

Roses are red, Lil Nas X is gay All we want you to do Is to review YBN Cordae

[@BBGirlSamus]

Yes please

[@moisesarreola933]

And Rich Brian

[@Tom-iv6kh]

And Rich Brian

[@terryprofitt6902]

No no no

[@navfromaoty3383]

Shut the fuck up and enjoy this album. Its pretty good.

[@briansmith9455]

I see it as David tying up loose ends before....you know...all I can say is that I feel awful for Cassie. She very obviously loved David special. Some of those looks over the years are just...love.

[@danielemilazzo432]

it's a depressing album if you don't know what depression is/feels like. I see it as hopeful, if you do.

[@matthewp9217]

Daniele Milazzo absolutely

[@dankkappa4313]

Daniele Milazzo Welp

[@flyinmanatee118]

I don't think I know much about depression at all and find this work not depressing in the least. He mentioned absurdity, but didn't focus enough on it. As Beckett said, nothing is as funny as unhappiness. The album is not maudlin and the instrumentation is as playful as the guy's honesty.

[@hippppykid]

I still have no idea how you don’t like “Snow is Falling in Manhattan” … best track on the album imo

[@Museum_of_bs]

This album is definitely the best thing that came out that year imo and it’s on my top 3 favorite albums of all time. I got really sad hearing the news about David, he was a great man and absolutely didn’t deserve such a horrible fate. All the Silver Jews albums and of course the self titled album stay as absolute masterpieces in my whole collection of vinyls.

[@ImpendingRiot83]

R.I.P David Berman.

[@lestermeganice]

Where are the Rich Brian and YBN Cordae reviews at, I need an opinion to have

[@justincase9596]

I can't even to listen to this album. I want to..

[@ChristopherCerda42]

Love the American Water in the background melon

[@puffins_apothecary]

An amazing album always on repeat in the winter for me, rest in peace my love 💓

[@jamesvergara8041]

it would be really cool to hear your take on American Water or any Silver Jews album really

[@AlexSmith-ov6fk]

I agree with practically every bit of this. Berman is a tragic loss and it's easy to jump to the conclusion that he planned this album as his last hurrah - 'bye all' is basically shot through all of his words on this wonderful, simultaneously haunting and easy-on-the-ear one of a kind record. I don't think I've seen reviews yet for Marika Hackman's new one. I'm guessing you've done Aldous Harding and Nilüfer Yanya (I'm about to scan back through). My other favourites this year are by The Wildhearts, Holly Herndon and Fontaines D.C. All worth reviewing if they've not been done yet.

[@almosthelpless9374]

Great singer-songwriter album. Very simple and straightforward.

[@renapeppers20]

It's crazy how he talks about how depressive the songwriting on this album is, and now it looks like David commited suicide. This is fucking sad man. Fucking sad.

[@haydenkline7836]

Wow.....this is pretty haunting now.

[@baxtermoffitt5435]

David Berman... Forever

[@rarewaffle3531]

Listened to this album and enjoyed it a lot without knowing anything about the band. Since English is not my first language I slowly realized that the lyrics were very dark. Now that I know I can't listen to it anymore, it's way too painful

[@zenzaga2490]

just a week later he passes away :(

[@blastoff2moon429]

Wonderful review Anthony , love it when you give attention to the "Americana" albums .

[@josefabdon]

This album is a suicide note.

[@thekidkrow]

This was honestly a 9 out of 10 for me. It's so spectacular and tightly constructed

[@theinsectsrequiem42069]

Love this album but gotta agree to disagree about Snow is Falling in Manhattan being the worst on here. I loooove that track and it's what got me to listen to the rest of the album in full. Great review as always!!!! (Please consider doing a review of Falls of Rauros' new album which consists basically of most of Panopticon's live band. It ruuuuuules)

[@nickfromCO]

My album of the year...but it did throw me into a depression I’ve gotta say.

[@MasDouc]

It seems to have the effect where it will put you into a depression if you're in a happy mood and help take you out of depression if you're submerged in it. If only to know someone else is going through it too.

[@jessemaldonado9612]

I just realised that the orange tiger shirt is the equivalent of the yellow flannel.

[@eliasmsv3156]

This album is just so fucking human. Pain and wit coexist in such a perfect way that pair really well with the almost cheery melodies and catchy hooks. So incredible

[@dacreativebrinson66]

Dope Name "Purple Mountains" just based on that ima check them out...

[@clamchowder491]

Anthony, I love your videos! SOPHIE dropped two remix albums a few days ago, I hope you get to cover those :)

[@fnrakie]

man rest in peace david berman.....

[@musicman6555]

Sorry For Party Rockin' review next Classics Week?

[@meatwoodflac4526]

Thank you so much David, you left a beautiful legacy