Micah Switzer reviews President Michael D. Higgins' album - spoken-word poetry soundtracked by ambient music.
Earlier this month, three presidential hopefuls struggled in their search for clarity, eloquence, and public favour in their live public debate. Shortly afterwards, three became two. Throughout all this chaos, one cannot help but think back on the last fourteen years. He who has struck the elusive balance between representing the nation and standing firm in his own beliefs seems a distant beauty in a world of growing instability. Michael D. Higgins, the small yet strong man that personified all that we wish Ireland to be, will leave very large boots to fill as Uachtarán na hÉireann. His truest passions of poetry and the arts, though, can continue outside An Áras. Upon his latest spoken word album ‘Against All Certainty,’ President Higgins proves this. I gave it a listen. Here’s what I think.
Last week, I put on my Sony headphones and joined President Higgins as he told me about family, history and culture. It took some time, as someone who has never delved deep into the genre of spoken word, to adjust to the style. There comes an immediate realisation that a more patient and active listening role is required from those who press play. Those who have the bravery to attempt an audiobook will probably understand. My fellow students of Classics certainly will.
The album itself is a collection of poems read out by President Higgins, amidst intervals of music by Myles O’Reilly and commentary by the poet on his own work. The commentary aspect undoubtedly adds layers to this project, as any further context does to a piece of art. A deeper understanding of the situation and significance of the places and people Higgins describes offers the listener more in their experience of his poems than if otherwise. It is these commentaries that conjure such a welcoming and intimate tone in this album.
This intimate tone is present from the outset with that warm, crackling fireplace. Transitions into the countryside and around the scenery of Ireland allow a vivid backdrop to the poems as they unfold via the appropriate gusto of their creator. Myles O’Reilly’s blend of synthesisers and more classical instrumentation, like the piano, makes for a soothing reflection of the album’s concept: the contrast between old and new, tradition and modernity. The emotion that comes with such themes are not exaggerated to an exasperated end, though. There is a subtlety to the way in which the music is mixed which ever-presently matches Higgins’ tone. The things that modern music can achieve, eh?
President Michael D. Higgins’ time as the First Citizen of the nation is coming to a close, but his legacy as a widely admired leader will long live on. I enjoyed the challenging yet intriguing aspects of ‘Against All Certainty,’ and would recommend any music lovers to give it a chance. Considering the level of prestige of his potential successors, giving President Higgins’ album a listen might bring you some hope. God knows we need some.