 Shawn Nelson and The Good Buds – Enough
Back in 2011 I reviewed San Juan Street from Shawn Nelson and was enamored of the protagonist perspective in many of his songs along with the variety of musical influences. Â So I was happy to see he has an EP out with his band, now known as The Good Buds. Â This project has some of that feel, but seems to concentrate on the philosophy of getting by in today’s world when you’re part of the 99%. Â It’s not exactly feel good music, but it never crosses the line to melancholy or tears-in-your-whisky music. Â And the EP does finish with a nice finger snapping tune, Yea Ya Right, that name checks a lot of Texas music favorites. Â The music itself is well crafted and along with a particular style of laid back delivery I found this to be a really compelling listen. Â The only disappointment is there are just 4 songs.
 Western Youth – Leaving the Station
This is the debut record from an Austin-based band that struck that vein in my arm where the rock and roll goes. Â Part Ryan Adams, part Reckless Kelly or Drive By Truckers, the 5 songs here have you playing air drums on a frequent basis. Â Somewhere, Somehow and Black Freightliner are straight ahead roots rock, while Waste Of Time kicks it up a notch with some horns that add another tasty layer on top for when too much is just enough. Should’ve Been Me leans more to a ballad tempo, but with a feedback vamp Crazy Horse would be proud of. Â Falling Down explores the alt country side of roots music and is the song I find myself going back to most often.
 Wicked Saints – Don’t Kill the Blackbird
The third EP gem I’ve picked up lately is from LA-by-way-of New-Orleans band Wicked Saints. Â There’s a lot of ear candy in these songs. Â So the title track has its going down the road feel, but with a sweet banjo groove. Â Baby Gray Bird is an acoustic Sunday morning song with a Great Gig In the Sky moan that’s just perfect. Â Roll With the Changes starts with an almost chant. Â Pavan has this slightly discordant sound that injects not just a sound but a jittery feel to the music. Â The info for this collection is that it’s the first seven finished songs from an upcoming LP. Â If the rest of that record is anything like this EP it’s going to be a dynamite release.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.