Lyrics reminiscent of Jonathan Richman. Gruff, laid back vocals from George Riser like Tom Waits out of Mark Knopfler. Charlie Bell's pedal steel. Quirky pop sensibilities meet Americana. An all-natural, sitting-on-the-porch feel. This album is an interesting combination of all these things.
It took several plays to appreciate this album. Quite subtle in many ways, it rewards your attention. Some tracks like the Mexican flavoured "Me Gusta" leap out at you but many of the others pass the casual listener by. At least they do the first time that you play them. However, they soon become old friends. Particular favourites were the rather mournful "Lost and Found" and bluesy, groovy "Helen of Troy Virginia". The percussive efforts of Rod Coles also deserves credit especially on "Ann Landers".
In some curious way, some of the songs feel like they should have been on the soundtrack to Sam Peckinpah's "The Wild Bunch". The times are changing. Whilst almost melancholy at times, there is pleasing warmth to the performances. This album will grow on you.