Deadman,
In the Heart of Mankind

Label: One Little Indian Records
Year: 2005

(3½ out of 5)

Deadman's In the Heart of Mankind is a soulful rumination on the fragility of existence and the perpetuity of love, laid over hauntingly spare, gospel-influenced tracks.

Producer Mark Howard arranges the starkly ethereal vocals of Steven and Sherilyn Collins over minimalist, Daniel Lanois-styled tracks. Highlights are "When the Music's Not Forgotten," a tribute to recently departed musical heroes like June Carter Cash, and the mortality-themed "Blood Moves."

Also included is an 8-minute film, "Unveiling the Ghosts," that showcases Deadman in concert and provides some of the songwriter's insight into "Sad Ole Geronimo" and the unreleased "Absalom Absalom."

Buy: Amazon

May 10, 2005