Son Volt - Notes of Blue

by Carl Bookstein

published: 17 / 3 / 2017

Label: Transmit Sound
Format: CD

Inspired and distinctive latest studio album from seminal alternative country band Son Volt

Review

Son Volt, featuring the achingly soulful vocals of Jay Farrar, was highly influential in the alt. country movement of the 1990s which helped give birth to what is now known as Americana. This seminal band now releases their new album 'Notes of Blue', Farrar and company’s own take on the spirit of the blues, mining influences from Skip James to Nick Drake. 'Notes of Blue' captures blues residing in the folk tradition, yet amplified and electric. It is the band’s eighth studio album. Farrar’s poignant vocals always seem to capture the wisdom of an old soul. That certainly is the case on the opening track 'Promise the World'. “Don’t get down when the cavalry doesn’t rise” is the lyric, followed by the more optimistic “Light after darkness/That is the way.” Son Volt arose out of the ashes of the original alt country band Uncle Tupelo. Member Jeff Tweedy went ultimately in more innovative directions with Wilco, while Farrar musically stayed the course. Wilco rose into more the limelight, but Son Volt’s work remained equally first rate. 'Back Against the Wall' is another soulful gem: “Back against the wall/All soon will be revealed/The signs will serve as your guide.” This music is often bittersweet, but not downbeat. Farrar’s resonant vocals and Son Volt’s earthly imagery roll along with stories of trials and tribulations that hit home. 'Static' is a pure electric rocker. “I feel my time ain’t long,” Farrar sings, with lyrics about standing up for what’s right. 'Cherokee St.” states “Spent all my fortunes,” with its soulful reminiscence “I know what it feels like to fly.” “The Storm” is an evocative tale about a narrator trying to keep his spirits high, despite having been in this storm so long. This is a strong resonant album by a great band. “When I get to California, I’ll be fine,” Farrar sings mournfully. “I keep my head above water/I keep my feet on the ground” Farrar sings on “Sinking Down,” backed by a powerful rollicking guitar line. In the end, 'Notes of Blue' is a rich soulful album. Blues as a springboard, a starting point. The work remains original. Son Volt somehow always seems to satisfy. This is no exception.

Track Listing:-

1 Promise the World
2 Back Against the Wall
3 Static
4 Cherokee St
5 The Storm
6 Lost Souls
7 Midnight
8 Sinking Down
9 Cairo and Southern
10 Threads and Steel