SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JULIAN TAYLOR – ANTHOLOGY VOL. II

JULIAN TAYLOR
ANTHOLOGY VOL. II
BOWLING TURTLE

With over 25 years in the game, Julian Taylor remains among Toronto’s most prolific songwriters. Contrary to 2023’s Anthology Vol. 1, which focused primarily on his work with the Julian Taylor Band, the newly released Anthology Vol. 2 indulges in much of Taylor’s recent solo material centred in folk and roots music, while also including a range of work from his early 2000’s project, Staggered Crossing. Ultimately, Anthology Vol. 2 pairs perfectly with its predecessor in demonstrating the songwriting, versatility, and growth at the heart of Taylor’s work.

Anthology Vol. 2 opens with Taylor’s most recent songs, “Hunger” and “Don’t Let ‘Em (Get Inside Of Your Head)”. While the latter is a bluesy and hauntingly lingering collaboration with Jim James (My Morning Jacket), released last October, the former is the only new song to grace the compilation. Originally written by Graeme Williamson, Taylor expanded upon the acoustic original, effectively including a full band over a slow burning arrangement that builds with each passage. Both “Hunger” and “Don’t Let ‘Em (Get Inside Of Your Head)” not only set the pace for the record but establish where Taylor is currently at.

The rest of Anthology Vol. 2 features a wide range from Taylor’s recent solo work, with an emphasis on songs from 2020’s The Ridge, 2022’s Beyond The Reservoir, and 2024’s Pathways, to some of his earliest recorded work with Staggered Crossing. From the youthful energy and reckless abandon of “Grow” and “Further Again”, to the vulnerability and intimate sounds of “Ain’t Life Strange”, “100 Proof”, and “Stolen Lands”, the contrast across Anthology Vol. 2 is striking while also shining a light to some of Taylor’s collaborations, including songs featuring Jim Cuddy and Allison Russell. What remains consistent is a soulful tone, a sense of integrity, and a dedication to crafting compelling narratives.

All in all, Anthology Vol. 2 is a fantastic retrospective that collects both some of the first and most recent songs for Taylor. As such, Anthology Vol. 2 traces the winding road behind each era of Taylor’s thrilling creative journey, demonstrating the enduring relevance and power that has made Taylor a once in a generation artist.

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