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It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is about Damien Jurado that does such a good job of hooking the dedicated listener, but there is something undeniably powerful about his new record. Something that sinks its teeth into the listeners ears and mind and makes sure that it will be listened to on a regular basis.

For the most part, Where Shall You Take Me? is an acoustic record, written with sincerity and sung with emotion. Some of the songs are eerie, some are joyful, and some are contemplative. All express an honesty wrought with feeling. 

"Amateur Night" and "Intoxicated Hands" are the eerie songs, slowly building an atmosphere of both dread and realization in their themes of taking advantage of weaker people. If Jurado ever decided to make a record only out of songs like this, it would no doubt be one of the darkest ever recorded. Thankfully, here he tempers these types of songs with others of a lighter nature, such as "Matinee."

The best moments of the album seem to be when Jurado decides to venture into the arena of longing for love. In these songs he displays a much more genuine outlook than most songwriters. "Abilene," "I Can't Get Over You," and "Tether" all bear the mark of brilliant writing with a soothing voice to carry them to full fruition.

This album also bears more of a spiritual element than Jurado's previous release _I Break Chairs_. The song "Window" is a southern spiritual of sorts, with additional vocals provided by Rosie Thomas. The album ends with "Bad Dreams" which makes the plea, "So come, save me from this fire."

Start to finish, Where Shall You Take Me? is full of quality songs and arguably Jurado's best release to date. Anyone who appreciates heartfelt music will find solace in the music of Damien Jurado. 

Trae Cadenhead 6/22/2003