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.ANDREW ANDERSON
As Long As This Thing's Flyin'
HOPE SANDOVAL & THE WARM INVENTIONS
Through the Devil Softly
THE DUHKS
Your Daughters and Your Sons
Bob Dylan
Together Through Life
LIZ LONGLEY
Hot Loose Wire
GOB IRON
Death Songs For The Living
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