American Water

“In 1984, I was hospitalised for approaching perfection,” goes the opening line of Silver Jews’ third album, <i>American Water</i>. This line could be a stand-in for the entire record, which is a sardonic, damaged, but ultimately masterful opus from David Berman and his band of country-inspired indie troubadours. Shuffling songs like “People” find Berman trading lines with part-time member Stephen Malkmus, while tracks like “Smith & Jones Forever” embody the album’s delicate balance of country mysticism and alt-rock wit.