SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: HAYDEN – THE RECENT PAST

HAYDEN
THE RECENT PAST
HARDWOOD RECORDS

Hayden Desser, simply known professionally as Hayden, the somewhat reclusive Toronto musician, has been releasing LPs for 30 years. His 10th studio LP, The Recent Past, takes listeners on a familiar, comforting path.

With The Recent Past, Hayden has taken an alternate path for the release, offering physical copies of vinyl, cd’s and tapes at September concerts, in record stores and on-line, far in advance of the November 6 digital release, with only the first single, the country inspired “Time Has Been More Kind” being available digitally. This refreshing throwback to the days before streaming and on-line music availability really brings Hayden’s full-package offering to the forefront.

Hayden typically mixes his own records; however, The Recent Past was mixed in Chicago by Grammy-winning engineer, Tom Schick, who has previously worked with Jeff Tweedy, Wilco, Mavis Staples, and Willie Nelson, amongst others.

As a follow-up to his excellent 2023 release Are We Good, Hayden doesn’t reinvent the wheel or distance long-time listeners of his work. However, he does add more luscious, complex sounds and an abundance of guest musicians. Violin, pedal steel guitar, saxophone, fiddle, upright bass, synth, drum machine, guitar and piano are just some of the instruments featured in The Recent Past.

Hayden’s lyrics reveal interesting stories, as they always have. His observations and wordplay resonate with the listener in a way that makes his music unique. Hayden’s smoothyet irregular vocals resonate with his openhearted and frank messaging. The Recent Past contains many highlights, however, the sonic sounds of pedal steel guitar complimented with dancing, resonating piano make “Stardust or Avalon” the most beautiful standout song on the album. Other highlights include “This Beautiful Day,” “Come For Us,” “Small Town Airport Restaurant,” “Time Has Been More Kind,” and “On My Mark.”

The Recent Past is best appreciated listening from beginning to end. The songs partner with each other in a way that only a quality, heart-felt release can accomplish. With The Recent Past, Hayden has created a reflective, thoughtful album. Sprinkled with melancholy but ultimately looks to the past and future with a sense of optimism in a manner that Hayden pulls of marvellously.

Artist Links