Before listening to John Vanderslice's new album, I Wiki'd him. I did. I read he was from Gainesville, Florida....Gainesville I thought - the same place that brought us Tom Petty who I adore. But, you won't find any swampy blues sounds in Vanderslice. Instead Vanderslice bring a different type of blues - his songs are sad in a beautiful touching way. I imagine if Wilco had made an abum with Elliot Smith, and sprinkled a little bit of Nada Surf in there it would probably sound something like his latest album Romanian Names.
The album is mostly melancholy...but has a few poppier songs like C &O Canal for when you're feeling less blue and need a harmonized song to get you going. I'm quite taken with Hard Times. I don't know if it is the state we are in, in the world - but it's quiet, and lush at the same time.
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