There are very few records one looks forward to longingly way before their release. For me “Woven Hand“ has been one of those records since August of last year, when it was an issue whether I would travel to the Crossing Border festival in October, or not. That with the festival didn't work out, but I was definitely infected. After all we are talking about David Eugene “16 Horsepower“ Edwards and his solo-project.

Well the crux of this yearning for the album: the joy in anticipation has become prepotent to such a degree, that it is a very small step to the station “bitter disappointment". Now comes the hardest part. Listening to it. And by the way I don't feel I'm quite equal to the task, because I'm languishing. Flu. My colleague Volkmann saw me off with a cheerful “Enjoy the feverous ravings to the full! They bring out genius!“ I don't feel like a genius though, I feel listless. Even so: hey ho, let´s go. After the first track all objections, reservations and preconceptions are thrown overboard together with the fever thermometer.

This here is the best thing I've heard for months by a country mile. Essentially more powerful and also more dramatic than 16 Horsepower ever was. Music as if from hell, plus it is homey too. I want a wind of at least 30°C, some tumbleweeds as well as a flight of vultures and burning barns. In any case, I want to hear this over and over again. Never before has someone covered “Ain't No Sunshine“ so disturbing and grandiose.

To go to St. Linus, Mr. Edwards should have had a fever of at least 41°C. My theory rather, he was in perfect good health and a genius still. And the most amazing thing: my rapture is not caused by my fever! Orderly Markus ist gone too. I´m very sorry but this album takes the Silver Jews´ place as far as heavy rotation at our home is concerned.