I got a copy of the new Slaid Cleaves for review and the first thing I said to myself was, “Self, you’ve heard of Slaid Cleaves but I don’t think you’ve ever listened to him. Or if you have, you didn’t know it was him at the time.” I have deep thoughts like that sometimes. The next thought was, “Man, that’s a pretty sad title for a CD.” I have even deeper thoughts such as that as well.  Â
Upon listening to the new album from Slaid, I would have to say that it is one of my favorites of the year so far. I’m not sure how his work has stayed off my radar thus far as I’m a fan of his Americana laid back style when done right. And he definitely does it right on Everything… Subtle percussion makes tracks such as “Twistin'” (a hangin’ tale) all the more haunting and cutting while the fiddle echoes the quite depressing and realistic lyrics of “Beautiful Thing.” The opening track, “Cry,” features the album title as a lyric with the tag line being “Cry for your mama/Cry for your dad/Cry for everything you know they never had” and goes on to say, “The love they never had.” So yeah, if you’re looking for a companion CD to your Little Miss Happy book, this ain’t it.Â
Â
My favorite track from the collection is “Black T-Shirt” about a Guns n Roses listening, pot smoking, slacker from a divorced home. The song paints a great story the likes of Townes Van Zandt.Â
Â
When all is said in done, grab a bourbon drink, sit on the deck in the rain, slap this on the headphones and enjoy.
Â
RIYL: Tommy Womack, Ryan Adams, black t-shirts
Â
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.