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James Vincent McMorrow is a Irish singer-songwriter whose Early in the Morning  album is full of the hushed intimacy that brought the inevitable comparisons to Bon Iver’s debut album (he even locked himself away for 6 months, though this time in a cabin by the seaside) but McMorrow sticks to a more organic arrangement. While Bon Iver’s vocal arrangement’s bordered on ethereal, McMorrow’s gorgeous twists and turns have the organic tenacity of an R&B soul man(he modeled his vocal stylings after Donny Hathaway, a man too few know) .  "This Old Dark Machine" boasts a great melody that could easily have been a Fleet Foxes or Mumford and Sons arrangement, but McMorrow wins the audience over with his sheer honesty. If it was all a marketing ploy, I’ve rarely seen it better disguised.

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“This Old Dark Machine"  is the sixth track on James Vincent McMorrow’s debut album Early in the Morning.

This Old Dark Machine- James Vincent McMorrow

I could say that for a man of 24 years, Blake Mills is wise beyond his age. I could say that the guitar work on here is exemplary of what he has to offer the world, filled with warmth and character and more interesting than many guitarists double his age. I could note that this intriguing pick of a cover, “Heart of Mine” from Bob Dylan’s ‘Shot of Love’ period echoes his confidence as a performer.  

He may not have all the commercial credit he deserves, but to any artist he’s on the top of their list, from touring mate Lucinda Williams, to Dawes, even Jackson Browne have been proud to share a stage with him. 

Chimes of Freedom, the Amnesty International tribute album composed of Bob Dylan songs, could thrive on the strength of this number alone amongst 75 other compositions, and we’re all the better for it.

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“Heart of Mine” is on the upcoming Amnesty International tribute album, due for release on January 24th

Heart of Mine- Blake Mills and Danielle Haim