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In the classic traditional tone of George Jones and Ray Price comes guitarist and Johnny Cash-inspired, Jim Blackie.
Jim's brand of country is a throwback to the era when cross-over country more described the haphazard driving after
a Gilley's trip. The music is pure and right - and certainly not in need of verilight stage shows and bare chested dancers. We are satisfied to
have Jim stand by a mike and do his crooning.
The opening track, "I Don't Need You Baby" is our favorite - listen -
the song sets the tone of the rest of the record with a heart-felt song with the genesis of painful rejection. The melody line is butter to the
ears. Track 4, "We all need love" continues the in-the-pocket format Blackie pushes here with sincerity. A solo nylon guitar line supports Jim's
vocals.
The long mp3 here, "New Cell Phone Blues", is as contemporary a topic as you'll hear here. The fact is, why
aren't you calling when the cell phone is attached to the hip (or head). Blackie sings, "I got the new cell phone blues, she won't talk to me but
she'll probably be talkin' to you".
Track 7, complete with tape delay on voice, is "Tribute to Johnny". The Cash
tribute sings, 'Johnny's gone away, he still stands for truth and honor, and he lives on in all the songs I play".
The
final track, "It All Feels the Same" is a nice ending to a record that remains true to its country roots. Blackie co-vocal conspirator, "Joyce,
'the voice', Hagerman'", lends her harmonies in this easy moving ballad. Her tone, along with Jim's, is infectious and loving - you hear friendship
and insight - gentle and perfect.
Great country record for anyone who appreciates great songwriting, performance, and
the foundations of the genre. |
