Our Shadows Will Remain
Encyclopedia
Our Shadows Will Remain is the fourth studio album by Joseph Arthur
. The album was released in the US September 28, 2004 on 12" vinyl, October 12, 2004 on CD, and in the UK on July 11, 2005 on CD and double 12" vinyl. The recording sessions also spawned the companion EP, And the Thieves Are Gone
. There were four singles released when the album was picked up for UK distribution by 14th Floor Records
. An extensive nationwide tour of the US followed the album's release, including dates with Joan Wasser
. In 2005, Arthur went on a brief tour throughout Europe with R.E.M.
and worldwide solo tour dates (promoting his previous album Redemption's Son
) in late 2003. The album was recorded across New Orleans, New York City
, London and Prague
. Joseph produced the album with Mike Napolitano, Ken Rich
, and David Kosten
. Joseph, who has battled with alcoholism
and drug abuse
throughout his entire life, said in an October 2004 interview with Paste Magazine: "I got totally wasted for a while in New Orleans, then I went to L.A. and was going further that way, and I called up my friends in New Orleans and said, 'I'm coming back and I have to straighten out and you have to help me.'" Joseph remained sober
and returned to Mike Napolitano and his French Quarter
apartment/studio to finish the album. The strings were arranged by Andrew Sherman, and were played by the City of Prague Philharmonic.
During the recording of the album, Joseph also wrote and recorded a new song for the film Shrek 2
, titled "You're So True." The song plays during the end credits of the film and also appears on the movie's soundtrack.
, available only at American independent music retail stores. The EP featured six previously unreleased tracks, mostly recorded during the New Orleans sessions for Our Shadows Will Remain. Prior to the release of Our Shadows Will Remain in the UK, the non-album track "All of Our Hands
" was issued as a single with the album version of "A Smile That Explodes" on the B-side.
In the UK, there were four singles released from the album. "Can't Exist
" was issued as the first single on July 4, 2005. Both formats of the single featured the exclusive B-side "Real as Rain." On September 26, 2005, "Even Tho
" was released as the album's second single. The CD featured an unreleased live version of "Even Tho" as the B-side, while the 10" vinyl single was pressed on dark-green vinyl and featured a remix of "Even Tho" by Dan the Automator
. To coincide with Joseph's February 2006 tour across the United Kingdom, "Devil's Broom
" was issued as the third single. B-sides included the exclusive non-album track "Papa" as well as a live cover of The Smiths
' "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
." In May 2006, "Can't Exist" was reissued as the fourth single. The single was released on three separate 7" vinyl singles, each one pressed on a different color vinyl, and featuring a different recording of "Can't Exist" (part one featured the radio edit, part two featured an acoustic version, and part three featured a live recording taken from his February 24, 2006 performance at Shepherds Bush Empire
). Music videos were created for all three singles, directed by filmmaker Noaz Deshe.
Between July 2004 and mid 2006, Joseph embarked on several worldwide tours to promote Our Shadows Will Remain, including multiple tours across the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. In total, Joseph performed 87 gigs in 2004, 102 gigs in 2005, and 78 gigs in 2006.
gave the album an A rating, hailing the album as "especially forceful and cohesive"; The Guardian
hailed that Joseph "might just be a genuine mad genius"; Stylus Magazine
gave the album an A– rating; and Chris Rubin of Rolling Stone named Our Shadows Will Remain as the number 1 album of the year 2004 in the year-end critics' pick list, and stated that, "The singer-songwriter from Akron
weaves his dark tales through tempestuous music, and Shadows is as good as music gets."
Joseph Arthur
Joseph Arthur is an American singer-songwriter and artist from Akron, Ohio. Combining poetic lyrics with a layered sonic palette, Arthur has built his reputation over the years through critically acclaimed releases and constant touring; his unique solo live performances incorporate the use of a...
. The album was released in the US September 28, 2004 on 12" vinyl, October 12, 2004 on CD, and in the UK on July 11, 2005 on CD and double 12" vinyl. The recording sessions also spawned the companion EP, And the Thieves Are Gone
And The Thieves Are Gone
And the Thieves Are Gone is an EP by Joseph Arthur released on December 7, 2004. The bulk of the EP was recorded in New Orleans where much of the album Our Shadows Will Remain was produced. And the Thieves Are Gone was made available primarily at select US indie music stores only...
. There were four singles released when the album was picked up for UK distribution by 14th Floor Records
14th Floor Records
14th Floor Records is a British record label founded in 2002 by Christian Tattersfield as a joint venture with Warner Music UK. The label has released albums by artists such as Biffy Clyro, Damien Rice, David Gray, Longview, Mark Joseph, Nerina Pallot, Ray LaMontagne, and The Wombats.Tattersfield...
. An extensive nationwide tour of the US followed the album's release, including dates with Joan Wasser
Joan Wasser
Joan Wasser is a violinist and singer/songwriter in the indie rock world. She began her career playing violin with the Dambuilders. She has released three albums as a singer songwriter, the 2006 Real Life the 2008 To Survive and the 2011 The Deep Field...
. In 2005, Arthur went on a brief tour throughout Europe with R.E.M.
R.E.M.
R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry. One of the first popular alternative rock bands, R.E.M. gained early attention due to Buck's ringing, arpeggiated guitar style and Stipe's...
Background
Joseph Arthur began the recording of Our Shadows Will Remain shortly after tour dates supporting Tracy ChapmanTracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her singles "Fast Car", "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution", "Baby Can I Hold You", "Give Me One Reason" and "Telling Stories". She is a multi-platinum and four-time Grammy Award-winning artist.-Biography:Tracy Chapman was born in Cleveland,...
and worldwide solo tour dates (promoting his previous album Redemption's Son
Redemption's Son
Redemption's Son is the third studio album by Joseph Arthur. The double album was first released in the UK only on May 20, 2002, due to Joseph being dropped by Virgin Records/EMI in the US...
) in late 2003. The album was recorded across New Orleans, New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, London and Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
. Joseph produced the album with Mike Napolitano, Ken Rich
Ken Rich
Ken Rich is an American producer/engineer/ composer and musician. He began playing violin at age 5, tuba at age 9 and moved on to the electric bass at age 15. After majoring in philosophy at Oberlin College while pursuing intensive jazz studies with Wendell Logan and Donald Byrd, he moved to New...
, and David Kosten
Faultline (musician)
Faultline is an electronic music project centred on producer David Kosten.This UK act's enigmatic music has background death threats, Dennis Hopper dialogue and cover versions sung by rock stars. Faultline is the recording moniker for David Kosten, who claims to have turned to samplers and...
. Joseph, who has battled with alcoholism
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a broad term for problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing...
and drug abuse
Drug abuse
Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, refers to a maladaptive pattern of use of a substance that is not considered dependent. The term "drug abuse" does not exclude dependency, but is otherwise used in a similar manner in nonmedical contexts...
throughout his entire life, said in an October 2004 interview with Paste Magazine: "I got totally wasted for a while in New Orleans, then I went to L.A. and was going further that way, and I called up my friends in New Orleans and said, 'I'm coming back and I have to straighten out and you have to help me.'" Joseph remained sober
Sobriety
Sobriety is the condition of not having any measurable levels, or effects from, alcohol or other drugs that alter ones mood or behaviors. According to WHO "Lexicon of alcohol and drug terms..." sobriety is continued abstinence from alcohol and psychoactive drug use...
and returned to Mike Napolitano and his French Quarter
French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. When New Orleans was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the city was originally centered on the French Quarter, or the Vieux Carré as it was known then...
apartment/studio to finish the album. The strings were arranged by Andrew Sherman, and were played by the City of Prague Philharmonic.
During the recording of the album, Joseph also wrote and recorded a new song for the film Shrek 2
Shrek 2
Shrek 2 is a 2004 American computer-animated fantasy comedy film, produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon. It is the second installment in the Shrek film series and the sequel to 2001's Shrek...
, titled "You're So True." The song plays during the end credits of the film and also appears on the movie's soundtrack.
Singles and promotion
In December 2004, Vector Recordings released an EP entitled And the Thieves Are GoneAnd The Thieves Are Gone
And the Thieves Are Gone is an EP by Joseph Arthur released on December 7, 2004. The bulk of the EP was recorded in New Orleans where much of the album Our Shadows Will Remain was produced. And the Thieves Are Gone was made available primarily at select US indie music stores only...
, available only at American independent music retail stores. The EP featured six previously unreleased tracks, mostly recorded during the New Orleans sessions for Our Shadows Will Remain. Prior to the release of Our Shadows Will Remain in the UK, the non-album track "All of Our Hands
All of Our Hands
"All of Our Hands" is a non-album single from Joseph Arthur. It was released on lavender-colored 7" vinyl only in the UK on May 23, 2005. The B-side is "A Smile That Explodes," taken from the album Our Shadows Will Remain. It features Julia Darling on backing vocals.A music video was produced for...
" was issued as a single with the album version of "A Smile That Explodes" on the B-side.
In the UK, there were four singles released from the album. "Can't Exist
Can't Exist
"Can't Exist" is a single taken from Joseph Arthur's fourth studio album Our Shadows Will Remain. Initially, it was the first single in the UK, released on CD and white-colored 7" vinyl on July 4, 2005. Then, it was re-issued as the fourth single from the album on 3-part 7" vinyl, released on May...
" was issued as the first single on July 4, 2005. Both formats of the single featured the exclusive B-side "Real as Rain." On September 26, 2005, "Even Tho
Even Tho
"Even Tho" is the second single from Joseph Arthur's fourth studio album Our Shadows Will Remain. "Even Tho" features strings provided by the City of Prague Philarmonic. The single was released on September 26, 2005 in the UK on CD and 10" vinyl formats...
" was released as the album's second single. The CD featured an unreleased live version of "Even Tho" as the B-side, while the 10" vinyl single was pressed on dark-green vinyl and featured a remix of "Even Tho" by Dan the Automator
Dan the Automator
Daniel M. Nakamura , better known by the stage name Dan the Automator, is a Japanese-American hip hop producer. He founded the record label 75 Ark, which was distributed by Tommy Boy Records during its short existence....
. To coincide with Joseph's February 2006 tour across the United Kingdom, "Devil's Broom
Devil's Broom
"Devil's Broom" is the third single from Joseph Arthur's fourth studio album Our Shadows Will Remain. The single was released on February 13, 2006 in the UK to coincide with his live dates at Shepherd's Bush Empire. It was released on CD and 7" as well as digital download bundles. The CD single's...
" was issued as the third single. B-sides included the exclusive non-album track "Papa" as well as a live cover of The Smiths
The Smiths
The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr , the band also included Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce...
' "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
"There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" is a song by the British alternative rock group The Smiths, written by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. It was originally featured on their third album The Queen Is Dead , and was released as a single in 1992, five years after The Smiths split up...
." In May 2006, "Can't Exist" was reissued as the fourth single. The single was released on three separate 7" vinyl singles, each one pressed on a different color vinyl, and featuring a different recording of "Can't Exist" (part one featured the radio edit, part two featured an acoustic version, and part three featured a live recording taken from his February 24, 2006 performance at Shepherds Bush Empire
Shepherds Bush Empire
The O2 Shepherds Bush Empire is a music venue in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, run by the Academy Music Group. It was built in 1903, as a music hall, and in 1953 became the BBC Television Theatre...
). Music videos were created for all three singles, directed by filmmaker Noaz Deshe.
Between July 2004 and mid 2006, Joseph embarked on several worldwide tours to promote Our Shadows Will Remain, including multiple tours across the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. In total, Joseph performed 87 gigs in 2004, 102 gigs in 2005, and 78 gigs in 2006.
Critical reception
Our Shadows Will Remain was released to positive acclaim in both the United States and Europe. Allmusic awarded the album 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising that, "Arthur is in a class of his own and Our Shadows Will Remain is a monstrous, memorable outing, his finest moment in a career that is thus far full of them." Entertainment WeeklyEntertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
gave the album an A rating, hailing the album as "especially forceful and cohesive"; The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
hailed that Joseph "might just be a genuine mad genius"; Stylus Magazine
Stylus Magazine
Stylus Magazine was an online music and film magazine launched in 2002. It featured long-form music journalism, four daily music reviews, movie reviews, a number of different podcasts, an MP3 blog, and a text blog....
gave the album an A– rating; and Chris Rubin of Rolling Stone named Our Shadows Will Remain as the number 1 album of the year 2004 in the year-end critics' pick list, and stated that, "The singer-songwriter from Akron
Akron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
weaves his dark tales through tempestuous music, and Shadows is as good as music gets."
Track listing
Release history
| Country | Date | Label | Format | Catalogue # | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | September 28, 2004 | Vector Recordings | LP | 70000-1 | |
| October 12, 2004 | CD | 70000-2 | Comes with a die-cut slipcase and 36-page booklet | ||
| United Kingdom | July 11, 2005 | 14th Floor Records | CD | 5050467 888623 | Comes with a die-cut slipcase and 36-page booklet |
| Double LP | 5050467 888616 | Comes in a die-cut gatefold sleeve with picture inner sleeves; heavyweight vinyl |
Credits
- All songs by Joseph Arthur.
- Produced by Joseph Arthur with:
- Mike Napolitano on tracks 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12.
- Ken Rich on tracks 4 and 11.
- David Kosten on tracks 1 and 5 (additional on 4).
- Additional and end game production throughout by Ken Rich and Andrew Sherman.
- String arrangements by Andrew Sherman on tracks 3, 5 and 6.
- Joseph Arthur - vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, dobro, electric and synth bass, acoustic and electric piano, synths, programming, organ, percussion and OmniChord.
- Andrew Sherman - acoustic and electric piano, clavinet, organ and synthesizer.
- Mike Napolitano - programming.
- Julia Darling - vocals on track 11.
- Ethan Eubanks - drums on 4, 6, 7 and 9.
- Brian Geltner - drums on 3.
- Greg "G. Wiz" Wieczorek - drums on 3 and 12.
- Rene Lopez - drums on 2 and 10.
- The City of Prague Philharmonic - strings on 3, 5 and 6.
- Mixed by Rick Will with Joseph Arthur and help from early Mike Napolitano mixes.
- Mix assistant Andy Sarroff.
- Track 1 mixed by David Kosten.
- Track 6 mixed by John Alafia and Jon Altschiller.
- Additional mixing on tracks 2 and 6 by Ken Rich and Andrew Sherman.
- Engineered by Mike Napolitano, Dawn Landes, Jaraj Durovic (strings), Rick Will and Joseph Arthur.
- Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, NYC.
- Drawings and paintings by Davies.
- Photography by Zachary Larner.
- Art direction and design by Zachary Larner and Joseph Arthur.