One Step Ahead of the Law, Stash (from the self-released Walk the Walk)
Stash – the trio of Ted Russell Kamp, Joey Peters, and Rich McCulley – announce themselves with one hell of a rock album. Well, country rock in all its glory.
While I lean towards the rockers like the fiery “Catch Me If You Can” and the banjo-laced “One Step Ahead of the Law”, it’s near impossible to keep your toes from tapping along to the percussive rave-up “Hey Hey Hey”. They bring in a retro sound for the 1970’s truck-drivin’ flair of “Queen of the Highway” and the horn-fueled romp “Talk the Talk”. And then there’s the wonderful Tex-Mex vibe of the brooding “Ain’t That Kind of Man” and the ambling dancehall shuffle of “By Your Side”. Throw it all together and Stash make a raucous and welcome introduction.
See Chip’s take on Stash’s new release here.
Song for Younger Hearts About Maps, The Pines at Night (from the self-released A Year of Novembers)
A Year of Novembers may be quiet and restrained but it is infused with a punk rock ethos – these are ballads with a fist in the air spirit. Heck, Ryan even musically quotes The Clash’s “Death or Glory” on the magical “Song for Younger Hearts About Maps”. Yet there is a weariness that permeates the songs, a stark counterbalance to the glimmer of punk rock rebelliousness.
But the maps get cruel
So remember this
If it ends in defeat
Don’t follow it
Oh, Younger Hearts,
Don’t cave in
You’ll lose a lot
But sometimes you’ll win
Story of My Life, Jesse Dayton (from the Blue Elan Records Beaumonster)
In the “soundtrack” to his recently released memoir, Texas songwriter and guitar slinger Jesse Dayton pays tribute to the artists and songs that have played a role in his life. Among the notable tracks included here are Waylon Jennings’ “Just To Satisfy You”, X’s “Burning House of Love”, Supersuckers’ “Born With a Tail”, and Kinky Friedman’s “Wild Man From Borneo.”
The connecting thread is that all of these artists (and numerous others) have called on Dayton to lend his guitar and talent to their music. While the performances generally stay true to the originals, Dayton infuses them with his Texas charm and personality.
Secret Garden, Harrison Whitford (from the Screwdriver Records release Afraid of Nothing)
Afraid of Everything, Harrison Whitford’s 2018 debut, was brooding yet refreshing. He continues down that path with the equally moving Afraid of Nothing. Simple but enchanting melodies accompany Whitford’s thoughtful and reflective lyrics, his breathy vocals adding an emotional weight to the songs. It makes for a mesmerizing release.
Next Town, Joe Tullos (from the Big Sun Records release Vessels)
Louisiana musician Joe Tullos passed away from cancer in 2020 but not before pouring himself into the recording of Vessels, his final album. Posthumously released in November of this year, the magical collection is rooted in rock but with a soulful quality and hints of New Orleans. Tullos recalls Tom Petty in both voice and song, most notably on the rousing “Leave This Town”.
The album closes with the moving ballad “Next Town”, an ode to the musical touring life that was originally recorded for his 1993 release with Big Sun but which takes on an entirely new meaning here.
Life’s been a journey
From mountains to the ocean and
The only time I’m feeling right
Is when I’m wandering
The Incredible Heat Machine, TK & the Holy Know-Nothings (from the Mama Bird Recording Co. release The Incredible Heat Machine)
It’s perhaps not a surprise to learn that TK & the Holy Know-Nothings recorded their latest album in an old and empty Northeastern Oregon theater. The sense of isolation and rustic ambiance infuse both the songs and performances. There’s a certain irony that the songs have a cloudy sobriety yet come together with a ramshackle energy that makes The Incredible Heat Machine a suitable soundtrack to a night out at your local dive bar.
Spiders, Kirby Brown (from the self-released Break into Blossom)
Kirby Brown is in a reflective mood. Break into Blossom is full of thoughtful meditations, the singer-songwriter taking stock of the world around him. The songs speak to hardship and disappointment, all anchored with a sense of acceptance. Musically there is a winsome – and engaging – pop classicism.
You Made a Drinking Man, Adam Hattaway & The Haunters (from the self-released Rooster)
New Zealand’s Adam Hattaway & the Haunters unleash a rollicking collection of songs with the expansive double album Rooster. While rooted in good ol’ rock and roll, the songs range from the country-rock of “Ain’t My Job” to the soulful “Whatever This Is” and from the bluesy “It’s Hard” to rockabilly of the title track. And don’t forget the appropriately titled bar room sing-along “Mama You Made a Drinker”. Put it all together and you’ve got one fun listen.
Saint Augustine, L.A. Edwards (from the Bitchin’ Music Group release Blessings From Home)
LA Edwards released the second of two promised EPs, now combined into a single release, earlier this year. In contrast to the fairly rocking volume 1, volume 2 is a more subdued affair. The Tom Petty-esque vibe, brought to life in part by the appearance of Heartbreakers Ron Blair and Steve Ferrone, is the consistent thread as Edwards and company share five restrained but catchy songs.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.