2009-02-22
On his third release, Drew Nelson seems to be developing into Michigan's version of John Mellencamp, commenting on the state of life in our corner of the country with a storyteller's insight and a troubadour's melodic passion -- with alternating flashes of anger and grace. Check "Highway 2," "Stranger" and "Farmer's Lament" for the best examples of these references. He's on the side of the working man, urging them to persevere despite the odds and looking to the beauty of what's natural (land, sky, water) and what's true (hope and love) -- for inspiration: "I want a baptism in a trout stream and my religion to be you." Local musicians Rachael Davis, Natalia Zukerman and Claudia Schmidt provide some well-appointed harmonies, particularly Zukerman's additions to "True and Fine." [NOTE: There's a one-minute pause after the last listed number, followed by "I'm a Little Catfish," a song written as a cartoon soundtrack.] F-Contemporary 02/09 Michael J.CARRIE RODRIGUEZ
LIVE IN LOUISVILLE
Danielle Howle
Thank You, Mark
BRUCE COCKBURN
SLICE OF LIFE
Various Artists
My Blueberry Nights Soundtrack
TOM WAITS
Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, and Bastards
Matt Corby
Telluric
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