…from getting to close to, SINGLE: JULIE ARSENAULT – Bad Words [reissue]
Julie Arsenault – The Creature That I Call Myself (EXTENDED EDITION) @ Bandcamp.
by Walter Price
The reissue of elusive Toronto singer-songwriter Julie Arsenault’s beautifully sympathetic album ‘The Creature That I Call Myself’ is an odd conundrum. Firstly, it introduced me to one of the best albums I’ve heard in years, and secondly, why re-release an album from an artist who doesn’t want to be found.
The answer is probably too harshly personal and none of our business. So be it… The fact is, this album is a splendor in the purest form. And there’s solid vulnerable realness in its sadness, hopefulness… a cathartic journey that could’ve slipped through the cracks of time. So, the redux, with added, more recent tracks, has served its purpose… And yes, the fact that this purveyor of delicate truths is seemingly coy adds to the intrigue, to say the least…And one thing is for sure, this album is here to soundtrack contemplation. C’est la vie.
If you’re a fan of The Staves, Sam Cooke, and/or Feist then this LP is for you. And to further pique your interest, check out the soul-stirring opening track, “Bad Words”, and be sure to add it to your rainy day playlist.
JULIE ARSENAULT
Artwork/photos via Bandcamp
Recorded and mixed by Aaron Comeau at The Trailer in Toronto aaroncomeau.com
Produced by Aaron Comeau, Julie Arsenault, and Evan J. Cartwright
Mastered by Reuben Ghose at Mojito Mastering mojitomastering.com
Photo by Tisha Myles http://www.tishamyles.com
Written by Julie Arsenault.
Julie Arsenault – vocals, nylon string guitar
Aaron Comeau – electric guitar, bass, keys, percussion, etc., etc.
Evan J. Cartwright – drums, vocals (7)
Callan Furlong – nylon string guitar (6),
heart palpitations a.k.a floor tom (5)
“Julie Arsenault is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. The Toronto based singer has been whispering her delicious melodies into the most gourmet ears for almost 10 years. Julie wrote songs because she had to. About her trouble with men, about her brutal battle against depression, about abortion, about her family. Raw confessions, hidden behind melodies that are as sweet as the cakes Julie made at the bakery she worked at.
“In 2013 a car crash leaves her with a fractured skull and a paycheck from the insurance company. She decides to spend the money on recording some of her songs. She gathered a couple of friend musicians and headed to an old trailer that had been turned into a recording studio. The result left everyone speechless. And Julie, timid as always, let her friends convince her to make a Bandcamp account and put the songs out into the world. Without any promotion, any external help, any ambition apart from being heard by a handful of people who might understand her. But “The Creature That I Call Myself” quickly became a cult hit. A silent gem to be discovered amidst an avalanche of noise.” – bio