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For a long time I have waited, semi-patiently, for the newest
recording from Whiskeytown, the "new country"
band fronted by Ryan Adams. I was not disappointed
when I heard it. Here is another collection of intelligent
and heartfelt songs, continuing the Whiskeytown legacy. These
songs are full of integrity and honesty, but also contain
a sonically fresh package that somehow reminds the heart of
its old friends. Ryan Adams proves again that he is the soul
of what was lost in country music for the decade of the 90’s.
It was an era of Garth Brooks and Shania Twain–over
produced, slicked-up pop songs made to cross over into the
realm of AAA radio, much like the Kenny Rogers of the
late 70’s. Well folks, REAL country music is back! And it’s
filled with the things that made country music what it is
supposed to be: the heart of America and the soul of its dynamic
and spiritual people. This latest disc from Whiskeytown reflects
an introspective folk feel, but doesn’t slip often, nor far
from the borders of Hank’s country.
"The Ballad Of Carol Lynn" begins this feast of
musical beauty with its downbeat folky tale of crossed love
and distressing distances. The feeling is one of Dylanesque
balladry, with a harmonica solo that would leave Bobby
Z shaking and crying in his boots. Wonderful mandolin
scrubs and floating electric guitars grace the sound of "Don’t
Wanna Know Why". The feeling of the song is somehow subdued
and yet jubilant in its simple, wondrous message. "Jacksonville
Skyline" gives us a glimpse of the Mississippi town through
the eyes of a man looking for his truths and seeking his path
to whatever his final destination may be. "Reasons To
Lie" drags us along on a journey of self-deprecation
and depression; exploring feelings that each of us has had
to deal with at one time or another in our lives. Sounds reminiscent
of Jimmy Webb-era Glen Campbell come shining
though on "Don’t Be Sad". There are the strings
and the chiming guitars, backed by dense harmonies and an
uplifting feeling of hope. "Sit And Listen…" strums
out an acoustic guitar based song that will stick to your
ribs, and plague your heart with its biting questioning and
dark emotion. The counterpoints of acoustic and electric instrumentation
really add a depth to this song that will make all of you
guitar players sit up and take special notice of what’s going
on in this song. And those of you who just appreciate an incredible
song, with a wealth of feeling and dynamic will fall in love
immediately.
The album slows down and turns to the minimalist approach
with "Under Your Breath". In its sparse arrangement,
this song focuses entirely on the emotions of a lost and drifting
soul anxious to turn its back on this hard life. Ryan Adams
turns to Beatles-esque piano and guitar on "Mirror,
Mirror", sounding remarkably similar to Jellyfish.
The song bounces along, adding a horn section for a unique
depth, revealing the poet’s wish for a new set of questions.
"Paper Moon" nods to 50’s country with its steel
guitars and sparse drumbeats. I can’t help but think Patsy
would be singing this song if only she had survived. "What
the Devil Wanted" is a spooky lo-fi sing-songy bedtime
ditty for twisted and broken hearts. With its lullaby vibe,
strange organ playing and skips and pops reminiscent of real
vinyl records, this is a song to haunt your dreams as well
as your waking moments. "Crazy About You" brings
the record up to an easily recognizable Whiskeytown semi-rock
thing, with crisp guitars and even crisper songwriting. And
I want to be happy; and I only want you; If you think that
I’m crazy; I’m just crazy ‘bout you… I’m just crazy ‘bout
you. Bruce Springsteen’s spirit makes a brief appearance
for "My Hometown"; a story woven with the spirit
of what the "Boss" was once able to deliver. There
is a familiar feeling to this song from the moment it begins,
and even the eerie ghostly-ice-cream-man sounds do nothing
to dispel that familiarity. "Easy Heart" is a masterpiece
of downbeat Whiskeytown, with the ultra-complimentary background
vocals of Caitlin Cary making their first overt appearance.
And those who are already familiar with Whiskeytown know that
her voice is as haunting and beautiful as any that have ever
graced the jukeboxes of this great land. Her voice only adds
to the already amazing depth of this great track, which begins
the wind-down for the record and takes us to the "Bar
Lights". What a fancy, upbeat way to end your latest
and greatest record, Ryan! Can’t wait for that new solo record
now, either.
So…here’s the run-down. Do you dig John Hiatt? Bob
Dylan? Hank Williams? Ramblin’ Jack Elliott? Ian
Tyson? Merle Haggard? Music with HUGE amounts of
soul and truth and being and honest emotion? Then this record
is for you. If you "hate" country music, then close
your eyes and pretend it’s not country. It’s not too difficult
with this record. It will float you along an emotional plane
far above where you live out your drudging day-to-day existence.
I promise you will fall in love with this record… or my name
isn’t
– David DeVoe
Track Listing:
- The Ballad Of Carol Lynn
- Don’t Wanna Know Why
- Jacksonville Skyline
- Reasons To Lie
- Don’t Be Sad
- Sit And Listen To The Rain
- Under Your Breath
- Mirror, Mirror
- Paper Moon
- What The Devil Wanted
- Crazy About You
- My Hometown
- Easy Hearts
- Bar Lights
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