The Sparrow And the Crow

by

William Fitzsimmons

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I can't praise this record highly enough. William Fitzsimmons' previous two outings have been pretty good - in a lofi folky vein. This album is considerably improved by the studio production, which coupled with some excellent song writing has produced a work of haunting beauty. If Bon Iver can cross over to almost mainstream levels of sales than this could be even bigger. What might get in the way is the almost complete focus on the break up of WF's marriage. Break up song after break up song is not everyone's cup of tea, but if it's yours you won't find better than this. The premise mostly seems to be that he doesn't blame his wife for leaving him, but still misses her 13 months after she didn't return from a walk! Still as the most instantly catchy song has it they will love again - just not each other. All this is wrapped in some splendid whispery but very tuneful singing against fantastic tunes with varied arrangements (WF is a multi instrumentalist of considerable skill). Oh and WF has an interesting back story as well - both his parents were blind so he grew up in a home where sound was most important. He also has a lot bigger beard than Justin Vernon.

If you like Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Joshua Radin and Elliott Smith you will like William Fitzsimmons. I would go so far as to say that this album proves him the equal of them.

Absolutely recommended!

I first heard William Fitzsimmons on the excellent internet radio channel SOMA FM, broadcasting from San Fransisco. It sounded rather fine so I immediately hit the Amazon button to find what 'Fitz' albums were waiting to be plucked by discerning listeners. After listening several times to 'The sparrow and the crow' I'm a bit confused. The fact that WF has been categorized with US songwriters like Iron & Wine, Bon Iver, and Sufjan Stevens is not strictly accurate. William Fitzsimmons is much more mainstream, middle of the road pop than the aforementioned songwriters.

I'm not surprised to read that his tracks have been used on those terrible American teenage angst ridden boy meets girl TV shows which beam out from SKY on a continual loop !

It's certainly pleasant, easy listening but hardly 5 star fare. I will certainly listen to this album from time to time but perhaps not in the company of others for I fear that Fitz is closer to James Blunt than Bob Dylan !