Starlite Walker was both the first Silver Jews record and the first time Berman & co. ever recorded in a proper studio. Written primarily by Berman, the rickety aesthetic and poetic lyrics of the album were heavily inspired by a retreat to the rural wooded area of Oxford, MS - this likely influenced the clean, understated production as well. Steve Malkimus and Bob Nastanovich of Pavement provide percussion and backing vocals in addition to bass and keys respectively. “Trains Across the Sea” is detached Lou Reed-esque deadpan incantations over bass-drum-keys rumble, “Advice to the Graduate” is warm strumming, bright cymbals and clean snares. The disc ends with the celebratory ambiance of “The Silver Pageant”, quirky synth noodling, drum fills, and jubilant cheers functioning as a neat palette cleanser. Pressed on black vinyl because Drag City knows what's best. Recommended. 

• black vinyl pressing
  
• original release year: 1994
• music label: Drag City 2019

reviewed by GOLDEN GOY 01/2020