THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH:
It was another great month for new albums. I’m calling it a draw in the album of the month category.
Sirens of the Ditch, by Jason Isbell
At long last, Isbell unleashes his solo debut and shows the breadth of his talents. Sure, there are rock songs like the opening “Brand New Kind of Actress” and the acidic “Try” that recall his tenure with the Drive-By Truckers. It’s the quieter numbers, however, that really showcase Isbell’s songwriting skills and his Muscle Shoals roots. “Hurricanes and Hand Grenades” swings with a New Orleans blues vibe while a lonely piano opens the pensive “Chicago Promenade.” In the midst of it all is “Dress Blues,” the poignant tale of a friend who died in the Iraq War and a powerful example of the beauty and meaning a song can convey.
Three Easy Pieces, by Buffalo Tom
If you ever doubted that it was possible to age gracefully and still rock and roll, Buffalo Tom will renew your faith. From the opening guitar blast of “Bad Phone Call” to the feedback-laced “Renovating” the band reclaims the raucous power trio sound that defined its earlier releases. This album also sees the continued emergence of Chris Colbourn as a vocalist. I’ve always enjoyed Bill Janovitz’s impassioned singing but Three Easy Pieces is richer for Colbourn’s contributions. This is especially true when the two share lead vocals on “Bad Phone Call” and “CC and Callas.” When Bill Janovitz sings “Where’d they go, where are all those golden years?” on “Bottom of the Rain,” it rings out with the same ragged passion that is the band’s signature sound.
THE PLAYLIST:
Nobody Wants To, Crowded House (from the ATO Records release Time on Earth)
The opening track from the first Crowded House album in 14 years sets the tone with an elegant melody guided by Neil Finn’s gentle voice. Finn has a penchant for perfectly capturing a mood, in this case dealing with loss of former bandmate Paul Hester with pensive reflection: “For all we know we might not get home, but I found out if we open it up, we could work this out.”
Ok to Go, Mike Errico (from the Tallboy 7 release All In)
Errico is at his best when he constructs sonic landscapes, as in this song that contrasts soft ambling verses with soaring electric choruses. His lyrics are equally filled with imagery, “Stepping outside disolving in air, asking the sky is anyone there, I can’t say I’m surprised, you don’t let us know but I’m ok to go.”
Sweet Sophia, Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers (from the Everfine album Glassjaw Boxer)
Kellogg has found his musical sweet spot, a sound that hints at jam band qualities but never strays too far from the melody. A pleasant music box piano forms the base of this track which leads off Kellogg’s latest release.
How Will You Shine, The Gourds (from the Yep Roc release Noble Creatures)
Can country be funky? If anyone can make it happen, it’ll be Austin’s Gourds. This track, complete with a rousing horn section, finds a solid dance groove. The Gourds have arrived — let the party begin!
Cry Like a Baby, Hacienda Brothers (from the Proper Records release What’s Wrong With Right)
There’s always been some mystical connection between country and soul, dating back well before the Carter Family’s classic country gospel. Southern California’s Hacienda Brothers continue the tradition by giving Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham’s Memphis R&B classic a western and cajun groove.
Crying, Waiting, Hoping, Marty Stuart (from the Hip-O release Compadres: An Anthology of Duets)
Over the years Stuart has proven himself one of the most talented American musicians, moving effortlessly from country to rock to gospel to bluegrass. This release packages together various duets from throughout his career. I’m partial to this duet with Steve Earle on a Buddy Holly classic, but you should also check out Stuart’s take on the Who’s “I Can See for Miles” with the Old Crow Medicine Show.
Two, Ryan Adams (from the Lost Highway release Easy Tiger)
Adams hits stride — finally. Easy Tiger has the relaxed feel that epotimized 2005’s trio of releases, but with much stronger melodies. This track, in particular, hearkens back to 2000’s classic Heartbreaker with a sense of resignation and uneasiness.
Cold Feelings, Social Distortion (from the Time Bomb release Live at the Roxy)
The band just released a greatest hits album but I went straight to this 1998 live release. “You guys want to hear a happy song?” growls lead singer Mike Ness, “I’m sorry homey, we don’t do no happy songs.” The Southern California punk band makes their point with howling guitars and a pounding beat.
I Wanna Be With You, The Raspberries (from the Rykodisc release Live on the Sunset Strip)
Cited as an influence by artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Kurt Cobain, the Raspberries had a brief five year run in the early 1970s. Taken from a successful 2005 reunion tour, this track epitomizes the band’s sound — infectious hooks, engaging harmonies packaged in a tight three minute pop song. s not surprising to see Bruce Springsteen penning the liner notes to this album; this is the kind of song that he was likely blasting from his car stereo back in his Asbury Park days.
You Can’t Leave, Justin Townes Earle (from the self-released album Yuma)
Earle shines on this blend of acoustic retro performance incorporates touches of tin pan alley and bluegrass. His voice has the right amounts of lilt and twang to give it a classic feel.
Girlfriend Weather, Mike Errico (from the Tallboy 7 release All In)
Best song title this year. “No need to let it get you down, but girlfriend weather always seems to come around. I’m taking a ride through darkening skies, my finger’s outstretched to reach up and catch the sunrise.”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.