Saint Bartlett

Released in 2010, Saint Bartlett marks a pivotal turning point in Damien Jurado's extensive discography, serving as the first of many collaborations with the late producer Richard Swift. Recorded in just under a week at Swift’s National Freedom studio in Oregon, the album features only Jurado and Swift as performers. Sonically, it departs from Jurado's previous lo-fi acoustic leanings by embracing a 'Wall of Sound' aesthetic influenced by Phil Spector and 1960s baroque pop. The use of mellotron, heavy reverb, and tribal-style drumming provides a lush, psychedelic backdrop for Jurado's narrative songwriting. The album is often cited as the beginning of Jurado's 'mystic' phase, moving away from purely literal storytelling toward more abstract and spiritual themes. It received high praise for its cohesive atmosphere and the successful marriage of Jurado's intimacy with Swift's adventurous production techniques.