Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns, John Hiatt's 20th solo album, is the latest addition to a 37-year musical career that spans five decades.
The album has an incredible collection of musicians which include Kenneth Blevins on drums and percussion, Doug Lancio on electric guitars, mandolin and Hammertone and Patrick O'Hearn on bass guitar.
Hiatt's raspy southern drawl narrates his rough-edged stories with raw emotion against the beautiful musicianship as a backdrop.
As always, Hiatt combines excellent song writing and story telling with an ability to connect with people of all ages and walks of life with his universal themes.
It remains a mystery to me why this seasoned veteran is still one of popular music's better kept secrets, but if you are one of those in the dark, this album gives you a chance to hear his signature blend of angry blues, soft country and good time rock n roll in a classic voice that emotes a lifetime of paying songwriting dues.
Sadly, most of Hiatt's recognition has been generated by covers of his work by other artists.
The prevailing mood is serious, with world weary ballads and slow burning laments, full of lyrics telling a menacing story of the decline and the need for the anchor of tenderness.
Hiatt has set the expectation for powerful albums sung with real heart and infused with impeccable musicianship, and he delivers here. This formula will probably not cause Lady Gaga or Katy Perry concern over their position on the charts, and there are no great departures on this album, but it is a good opportunity for you to find time to kick your feet up, break open a bottle (or pour a couple fingers of bourbon) and digest it from start to finish
If you're a fan of his earlier works, or if you simply want to try something new, you can't go wrong here.
DAMN THIS TOWN
WHEN NEW YORK HAD HER HEART BROKE
I LOVE THAT GIRL
No comments:
Post a Comment