One Fast Move Or I'm Gone- Music From Kerouac's Big Sur

Works as Concept and on its Own
I've read most Kerouac - except Big Sur, so I am doing that now and also listening to this album. I think the contemplative style of this album, (sung and played by two artists who obviously have a great respect for Kerouac) works very well. I really like both artists, and think together they do something that raises the bar for both. I hope they work on more project together because this is one of the best albums I've heard in quite a few years. The lyrics and music are stellar - I think this is actually a masterpiece.

Great Art For A Great Artist
This is probably the best release of last year for the simple fact that it's not just a great album (and oh, it is!) but it's a loving testament to the lasting impact and influence that Jack Kerouac still has today. Using lyrics taken directly from Kerouac's self-destructive "Big Sur," Farrar and Gibbard pay tribute to the literary giant in a twelve song tribute of alt-country perfection. Do yourself a favor as well and spend the money to get the limited edition that comes packaged with the feature length documentary of the same name.

One Fast Move or I'm Gone - review
There are several interwoven aspects to "One Fast Move or I'm Gone." Foremost, it's a documentary that recreates a physical canvas for Jack Kerouac's book `Big Sur." Jack wrote this as he was struggling with his overwhelming fame and doing battle with a deep and destructive alcohol addiction. There are many players providing commentary, some of them great artists in there own right - Tom Waits, Patti Smith, many with great insight, and others with interesting details - and some who come across as simply energetic fans. But there are genuinely important figures too, those very close to Jack - Carolyn Cassady, Lawrence Ferlinghetti (who still lives in the Big Sur cabin, which served as home base for the book), and Michael McClure. Ultimately, the content of the book is what drives the film. Actor John Ventimiglia reads several passages; his ability to recreate the vocal accent, inflections, and tone of Kerouac is uncanny, which adds to the intensity of the film. This true story is an authentic, often excruciating, narration about the depths of Kerouac's pain and despair, and the emotional calm of his redemption.

A must have for any Kerouac fan
The album is just beautiful start to finish but the real gem is the DVD documentary included... I picked up this set as well as a copy of Big Sur which I re-read prior to watching the DVD. A must have for any Kerouac cuckoo still out there....

Instant Classic
This is one of those records that people with great tastes should own. With Kerouac + Gibbard + Farrar in one record, you just know it's going to be well worthwhile. So, if you like indie alt-country music, I'm quite sure you'll love this.