DM Stith: Heavy Ghost

    It is about time that this album is shared. Not only do I know Buffalo native David Stith personally (OK, we don't hang out, but did play board games once at least), but his family too. That being said, you might assume that I am either name dropping, or that DM Stith's music is sub-par, because I am selflessly promoting an acquaintance's music. This is hardly the case, because not only is DM Stith on the Asthmatic Kitty label (yes, Sufjan Steven's own), but he tours with Sufjan, and I must permit that his music speaks for itself.
Initially, about a year ago, I was intrigued by the complexity of the debut album, which is mainly comprised of a compilation of smaller EPs, Heavy Ghost (2009), but did not fully come to appreciate it until more recently. There is a undefinable mystery to DM Stith's music, somewhat cacophany at times, highly rhythmic and complex, full of layers, while melodically Heavy Ghost contains haunting and yet beautiful enumerations. So many instances in this album remind me of Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens to be sure.
    Apparently, David Stith had difficulty coming to terms with his own musicianship, hailing from a bright tradition of music in his family, yet more or less in a classical tradition. Definitely, this influence can be heard in the sensitive harmonic structures and shifts between major and minor tonality that are seemless and subtle. Regardless, he was able to find his voice and overcome the fears of performing and revealing his output, which he speaks so openly about on his website and on Asthmatic Kitty. Thanks also to Shara Worden, of My Brightest Diamond, whom he met in Brooklyn while pursuing graphic art endeavors. Without that connection--Shara introduced him to Asthmatic Kitty and Sufjan--he may have never decided to fully pursue this musical career.
    Indeed, David Stith has a voice of unique quality, utilizing a falsetto often, but with successful balance. He also records over his voice to create intricate harmonies. It should be particularly noted that DM Stith is a one man band, as I do not know that anyone performs with him. I wonder how this detracts from a live performance and whether DM Stith is best left in the studio, on album, where it really shines with all the twinkling and idyllic goodness that machines can produce, of which one man is incapable. Lately, DM Stith has toured extensively with Sufjan Stevens, to Europe and everywhere else it seems. And snippets of info have been released that he is working on a new album, with a few song names spoiled (minus audio). Finally, there is a collection of Heavy Ghost Appendices in 2 CDs and more recently one new song, a Sufjan cover, on the charitable funds raising album, Seven Swans: Revisited (March 2011), listen here.
    Check out the songs "Pigs" and "Pity Dance" under 'Monthly Sample Tracks' or click the songs as links. Enjoy!