Not Far Now
Richard Shindell · 2009
44 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music
A tapestry of storytelling woven through intricate melodies and reflective lyrics, echoing the essence of folk traditions.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gethsemani Goodbye — This track poignantly captures themes of loss and redemption against a backdrop of spiritual reflection, showcasing Shindell's masterful storytelling.
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State of the Union — With its incisive commentary on contemporary issues, this song stands out for its blend of personal narrative and political critique, demonstrating Shindell’s lyrical prowess.
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Mariana's Table — The vivid imagery and emotional weight in this song illustrate Shindell's ability to evoke place and memory, making it a cornerstone of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship, with effective pacing and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature intricate guitar work that complements the storytelling, while the fourth track introduces a more rhythmic, percussive element.
- Several songs employ a narrative structure where verses are interspersed with reflective choruses, enhancing the lyrical depth.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, particularly in the last two tracks, creating a contemplative finish.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective storytelling in melodies
- intimate moments of quiet contemplation
- warmth for late-night listening
- thoughtful lyrics for deep thinking
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy music
- prefer standalone catchy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Richard Shindell released Not Far Now in 2009, he was solidifying his status as a respected figure in contemporary folk music. Following his previous album, South of Delia (2007), this record showcased his continued evolution as a songwriter, blending personal narratives with broader social themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dar Williams· Greg Brown· Lucy Kaplansky
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Parasol Ants 3:46
- 2 A Juggler Out in Traffic 4:35
- 3 Gethsemani Goodbye 4:14
- 4 ¿Qué hago ahora? 2:25
- 5 Bye Bye 4:02
- 6 Mariana's Table 4:36
- 7 State of the Union 5:17
- 8 One Man's Arkansas 4:26
- 9 Get Up Clara 3:05
- 10 The Mountain 3:55
- 11 Balloon Man 4:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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