ALBUM OF THE MONTH:
Grandpa Walked a Picketline, by Otis Gibbs
Otis Gibbs is an American original, a gruff musical journeyman who is unafraid to tell it like he see’s it. With a matter of fact lyrical style, he spins tales of the back roads and the folks that wander them. “Caroline,” for example, tells the story of a woman in an unhappy and abusive relationship, “Caroline lives her life inside a daydream and she keeps it all inside, all the pain she has to hide, peace will be with you in time, Caroline.” Gibb’s husky vocals lend extra gravity to songs like “Long Black Thunder” where he sings, “Midnight in a boxcar alley you feel it explode and the clang of the rails is deafening and the night air’s cold.” Gibb’s is supported on this release by a recognizable cast of roots rock musicians, including Chris Stamey, Don Dixon and Tim Easton. It’s Gibbs, however, who truly shines. [Final note: The final sentence of his bio is to intriguing not to share. “Recently, he’s been examining ways of using bird feeding as a form of civil disobedience.”]
THE PLAYLIST:
Bicycle, Gary Louris and Mark Olson (from the New West Records release Ready for the Flood)
As the heart of the Jayhawks, Olson and Louris were beloved for their distinctive harmonies. The blending of their voices – Louris with a touch of Paul Simon and Olson’s slightly nasal Hank Williams feel – is magical. The duo rightfully put the harmonies front and center, keeping the accompaniment simple and acoustic. (See Chip’s full Twangville review here.)
Life Itself, Bruce Springsteen (from the Columbia Records release Working on a Dream)
Springsteen is at his best when he captures angst and uncertainty, whether political or personal. This track focuses on the latter with a musical tension that adds to the anxiety. Buried deep in the mix is some intriguing guitar-playing from Springsteen, Van Zandt and Lofgren. If only we could hear it…
The Heartbreak Rides, A.C. Newman (from the Matador Records release Get Guilty)
I’m still not sure what differentiates a Newman solo disc from his contributions to the Pornographers, but I’m certain that I don’t care. Newman’s brand of intelligent pop is welcome treat anytime. (See Jeff’s full Twangville review here.)
Song for the Divine Mother of the Universe, Ben Lee (from the New West Records release Rebirth of Venus)
Lee is the master of the pop sing-along. Catchy choruses and quirky lyrics abound on every release, to wit: “Tell me mother can you hear me sing, your love is everything, heart and soul, breath and skin, your love is everything.”
My Lucky Day, Bruce Springsteen (from the Columbia Records release Working on a Dream)
What the song lacks in lyrical substance, it more than makes up for rock and roll bombast. It has got all of what makes a good Springsteen tune: Bruce belting out lyrics, Little Steven’s stellar harmonies, a tasteful Clarence solo and Mighty Max making a racket!
There Are Maybe Ten or Twelve, A.C. Newman (from the Matador Records release Get Guilty)
“There are maybe ten or twelve things I could teach you, after that, well I think you’re on your own.”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.