Glass House
Album: Long Way Down
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.glasshousemusic.org

Glass House are an American duo consisting of vocalist David Worm and guitarist Mark Vickness. It appears they've been playing together now for some twenty three odd years with "Long Way Down" being the pair's third album, following on from 2001's "Questions", which perhaps gives a clue not to expect another album any time soon.

The crucial thing about "Long Way Down" is that it appears to be the first of the band's albums to have made the trip across the Atlantic. More than anything this is a songbook album, rather than one that's followed a theme or philosophy and that seems to suit the laid back, acoustic pop vibe that pervades the material. That said for me one of the real highlights of the album is the duo's stripped back cover of Robbie Robertson's "Broken Arrow".

One of the reasons for the relaxed release style is that both parts of Glass House have worked with a whole host of other musicians and bands, both recording and touring and for this album, some of those friends return the favour, dropping in for a song or two, those friends including the Grammy winning Turtle Island String Quartet.

One of the first things you notice in the sleeve notes, is the phrase, recorded at Mark's House and in many ways it positions the album well. The album gives the impression of a group of highly talented musicians gathering at a friends house, perhaps a bottle or two of red and then getting the instruments out and making music, but more in a lounge than a garage and should probably be enjoyed the same way.

In the past I've tended to criticise this type of album as either being too polished or a little bit forced, "Long Way Down" is neither, it's the work of friends having fun and it's a great way to relax.

Neil King