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A review by jacobsite
Actual Air by David Berman
5.0
Having recently discovered the music of David Berman and his two main projects, Silver Jews and Purple Mountain, it was hard for me not to be completely captivated by his writing style. Blunt, sad, unforgiving but with this bit of sly humor to it that gave his writing a unique style that I imagine has been the subject of replication by many a wannabe indie artist for over two decades now. So after listening to Purple Mountain and learning of Berman’s eventual 2019 suicide that came a month or two after the release of Purple Mountains, I started looking for more content of his, which leads me to Actual Air.
Now, let me say that this is not a perfect poetry collection, there are a couple non-starters for me in here. However, I’m giving this five stars because much like Berman’s music, this poetry is just undeniable for me, especially due to how personal reading this feels. The wit and sense of humor that is coupled with the writings on the absurdities of life we are all forced to go through. These poems feel like conversations with the cynical friend that, despite everything that is thrown at them, they are always there to listen to you and are there for you. This is a big part of what really drew me into Berman’s music, so if any of this sounds like something that would interest you, please give it a shot. Also, listen to some of his music, it’s phenomenal. Rest in Peace, David.
Now, let me say that this is not a perfect poetry collection, there are a couple non-starters for me in here. However, I’m giving this five stars because much like Berman’s music, this poetry is just undeniable for me, especially due to how personal reading this feels. The wit and sense of humor that is coupled with the writings on the absurdities of life we are all forced to go through. These poems feel like conversations with the cynical friend that, despite everything that is thrown at them, they are always there to listen to you and are there for you. This is a big part of what really drew me into Berman’s music, so if any of this sounds like something that would interest you, please give it a shot. Also, listen to some of his music, it’s phenomenal. Rest in Peace, David.