This is the 2004 release by Willy Mason, which I’m reviewing by request (thanks Jackie). I’m actually a bit embarrassed that I did not know of Mason. 18 when he recorded this, Mason’s voice sounds like that of a seasoned singer who has played in too many smoky bars. Mason is a great writer and I think this is a rare album that would satisfy both fans of traditional folk and new folk. Most of the tunes are cool, but I love the gospel-tinged, hymn-like Fear no Pain where Mason sings, “I ain't gonna fear no pain anymore/Ain't nothin' worth that strain/I'm gonna walk in the hands of the Lord.” This is a mostly acoustic album and heavily influenced by the blues and Johnny Cash. With bands like Bright Eyes getting the deserved attention they get, I’m surprised Mason is not better known. Fans of Bright Eyes and Rabbit Fur Coat by Jenny Lewis will dig this CD.
2.85 out of 4.00 on the Vin Swanson Scale.
3 comments:
The album art bites. I'm just sayin'.
Yeah, its like a portrait of scary zombie people.
Seeing the Vin Swansom rating, I checked out his music. I dig it, but some of his stuff is too hooky for my tastes. So hooky in fact that I accidentially started humming "Oxygen" before class yesterday, and my students vigorously mocked me. That's right: vigorous mocking, and it's Willy Mason's fault.
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