Here’s a throwback record that makes you realize what’s wrong with today’s music. As CS Lewis once said, “Just because you’re moving forward, it doesn’t mean you’re progressing. If you’ve missed your turnoff, to actually turn around and go backwards is progressing.” Guitarist/vocalist/composer and ex-teacher JD McPherson has put together a little disc to remind us of the need to occasionally turn back, or, dare I say, repent?
First, the thing is recorded in analog. Intrigued already? The warmth of this disc, which mixes 50s R&B, a bit of Rockabilly, Bo Diddley and boogie, makes you want to do one of the things music was intended for: DANCING! He’s got a voice that gives hints of Lloyd Price, Gene Vincent and Gene Pitney, and the team hereof Jimmy Sutton/b, Alex Hall/dr-p-org and a collage of guests will get a quick smile on your face with uptempo rollers like “North Side Gal” or “EGMOSRNR.” Guileless and open-eyed innocence are abound in the lyrics. Not a hint of cynicism, nihilism or any other navel gazing “ism.” Good times, and lots of smoky sax blowing by Jonathan Doyle and Josh Bell , particularly when they lock horns on “Scandalous” and “Your Love.” The disc is a teasing 35 minutes in duration, but for all of the joy that it brings, as their song title states, “I Can’t Complain.” Renew your love for music here.
Hi Style Records
www.rounder.com