It is September now. For many the end of August and month of September are a transitory period. A time when things are changing. I find that my music preferences shift considerably with the seasonss. Spring and fall often herald folk, blues, and stripped down country. Thematic pieces with introspective songwriting. I find that the songwriting of Welch and the stripped back guitar work of David Rawlings make their albums perfect for this time. There are banjos, and simple recordfings that can bring you close into the music. Make you feel present in the song.

The music is very good. The focus is on voice and the instruments (Usually just a guitar with some added banjo or such for accent) facilitate that pleasantly. The vocals are great and convey the clear mature emotions that come with the lyrics. "Revelator" is about how time reveals who we are. Time does not heal all things, but it does reveal all the things you have done. The people that you have been. "Dear Someone" is a letter to an open person. A desire to go away to a free place. To live in that someone. There is a yearning to many of these songs. A desire that has yet to be satisfied. A pining that only time can reveal. I am reminded of the Tom Petty song "The Waiting" in that it really can be the hardest part. There are a lot of wants and dreams in these lyrics. It is quiet and earnest. "Everything is Free" is a perennial reminder to me that good art is a pleasure to make, but to never diminish the vale of it. I think that this song is worth listening to for all who create or consume art. Which is everyone for reference. To understand the concept. The album is wrapped in time. Reflecting on the past. In this case plenty of Americana. Which I admit flies over my head at times. But, also that onward desire and concern for the future.

This album feels drawn and stretched out across my mind. Like it forces me to be in many places of my mind at once. To consider who I have been and would like to be. It is slow and even ends with that long piece "I Dream A Highway." I find that this has helped me on those quiet journeys of self-reflection. I have been lead by the gentle acoustic guitars and crooning voice. There is plenty more to be discovered in Welch's discography. Perhaps better or different. But, I think this album has the staying power of behing a coherent album. I think if my goal in all of this writing and reflection on music is to convince myself that the album is relevant then I have found another example. The structure and theming of Time make me want to experience and continue the thoughts it starts until it has said its piece. So dream on the highway. Reflect on who you have been. Sit back with this album and see what time can reveal in you.