Freedy Johnston – Rain on the City/Live Review
With a title like “Rain on the City,†Freedy Johnston has chosen a problematic yet perfect title. It nods to his recent albums (“Blue Days Black Nightsâ€) in such an obvious way as to perhaps shove off the tired motif. Freedy, with a few exceptions, is back to his playful and witty self. It seems as though “Rain on the City†is a kiss off to the tired, plodding, down-tempo tunes that have become a bit of a rut to Johnston.
By the fourth track, the album has shifted into about third gear on the tempo scale. Johnston soaring melody and a strong timekeeping from behind the drumkit and the album feels like it’s gotten started. “Venus is her Name†and “The Other Side of Love†have that irresistible pop chorus. It’s the sort of pop sheen and thoughtful melody that earns Johnston the title of “songwriter’s songwriter.â€
From there the songs pick up the pace even further. It’s as though Freedy really has caught the fire of “The Perfect World†again. “The Devil Raises His Own†sets the table for the rockin’ riff of “Livin’ Too Close to the Rio Grande.†The latter has a fully developed hook and clean electric riff that’d fit in with the best 70s rock. And some dirty tone to boot. “Well I got those speakers in Okinawa / But they’re too damn heavy for my little boat.â€
Tracks 1-3 seem a bit of filler. Each of them has a different shady of the plodding old “Rain on the City†motif. The lyrics and stories are compelling but the simply shortchange Freedy’s best melody.
While this album is not the consistent pop of “This Perfect World†or the ragged beauty of “Right Between the Promises,†its certainly back to Freedy’s bread & butter, rootsy pop melodic bliss. It’s worth a look next week (release 1/12).
I was lucky enough to get out to the most intimate of Freedy Johnston shows. He was unlucky enough to come on the heels of two feet of snow in the DC area. He seemed a bit disgruntled and his wisecracks belied his true talent.
Many of the 20 or so patrons in the bar seemed to have NO idea who Freedy was (despite his 9 albums and 20 years in the biz). The lone Freedy on stage seemed genuinely surprised when audience members know any songs and particularly adept at playing rock numbers just himself.
From the new record, “It’s Gonna Come Back to You,†freed the caged rocker (in the decidedly urban professional dress). The riffage on “Livin’ Too Close to the Rio Grand†came off surprisingly well in the solo setting.
Although he called it an early night (due to his voice and perhaps lack of crowd), Johnston was a fine example of an underappreciated musician. He’s far too good for a 20 person venue and it’s worth the 20 spot.
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.