Ken Lauber, Contemplation (view) (side A)

1969's Contemplation (view) features a cast of amazing Nashville players who had worked with legends like Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison.  Familiar names like Wayne Moss, Kenneth Buttrey, Charlie McCoy, and Weldon Myrick contribute beautiful backing tracks to Lauber's understated songs.  When the songs grow too understated, they sometimes don't attract much attention, in part because Lauber's vocal style has limited character and emotional range.  When this understatement combines with a subtle majesty, on songs like "Undertow" and "Far Will I Travel", the results are haunting and beautiful.  While I'm  happy that Contemplation (view) was reissued on vinyl, I wish the label had invested more in mastering (the treble is a bit harsh, and the mids are too thin) rather than 180 gram vinyl.  I also don't understand the glossy finish on the cover, which was obviously not part of the original (the photos of Lauber still look great).