Daniel Lanois
Here Is What Is
(Red Floor, 2008)

Here Is What Is marks Daniel Lanois’ first serious foray into digital distribution—a move that’s hardly surprising given his early embrace of innovative production methods and technologies. Lanois has been on the cutting-edge of music production ever since his ’80s collaborations with Brian Eno, the masterful producer who served as his mentor and plays a significant role in Lanois’ new documentary film.

The Here Is What Is project, which consists of a record and film of the same name, certainly pays tribute to Eno. But, happily, it’s primarily a celebration of Lanois’ work and artistic evolution. Arriving via Lanois’ new record company and digital distribution vehicle Red Floor Records, the film’s soundtrack was available as a high-quality download long before its scheduled release to retail, though those who enjoy owning actual artifacts will have the option of picking up a beautifully packaged CD/DVD combo that includes both the record and the movie.

According to Lanois, “The film is a camera following me around over the course of a year, in and out of recording studios, documenting once and for all the way it really happens.” The making of art, that is. It’s a fascinating film and, most importantly for our purposes, the soundtrack is just as enthralling.

Here Is What Is marks Lanois’ sixth solo album and was recorded in Toronto, Los Angeles, and Shreveport with drummer Brian Blade, and pianist Garth Hudson of the Band. Like nearly all soundtracks, the record is saddled with obligatory interludes that can seem dull and out of place without visual context. But when you strip away all the instrumental extras Here Is What Is emerges as a brilliant achievement independent of its motion picture partner.

Lanois is best known for his production work for artists like U2, Bob Dylan, and Peter Gabriel, and his contributions have raised the bar for contemporary producers. He’s a pioneer in the intelligent use of electronics and atmospherics in rock music—and his own work is no exception. 1989’s Acadie and 1993’s For the Beauty of Wynona were seminal albums and his more recent solo output is uniformly excellent.

But the best tracks on Here Is What Is surpass all his previous efforts. The album’s first three songs are its strongest, a powerful trio that showcase Lanois’ mastery of space and aesthetics. “Where Will I Be” is a searching ballad, imbued with a subtle spirituality and an arresting refrain that’s reminiscent of a melodic tribal chant. It’s followed by the title track, where bits of gently distorted guitar perfectly frame Lanois’ quiet and gravelly vocals. The sad resignation of “Not Fighting Anymore” is next, lowering the level of intensity a bit but packing the same strong emotional punch.

Here Is What Is is never just a vehicle for Lanois to show off his production prowess. The songs possess a startling fragility and humanity, and Lanois is a virtuoso when it comes to using the studio as an instrument.

Eno is also featured on the album, preceding a handful of tracks with oddly entrancing philosophical commentaries on the nature of art and such things. But ultimately, Lanois is the main attraction here and rightly so. In many ways, the pupil has transcended the teacher, continuing to push the sonic envelope in search of new ways to express the joy, tragedy, and absurdity of the human condition. Here Is What Is is a defining album—Lanois’ best yet.

Listen: Various Tracks [at myspace.com]