Cass Mccombs - Catacombs

Down to the 'Catacombs' for this third album, and the second that I have heard, from this Californian troubadour with a voice tender and clear yet slightly nasal. I never finished writing the review of his previous previous 'Dropping The Writ', which was a rather feeble and flat-sounding effort. It was worth hearing, however, to fully appreciate this grand third album. So here is what some always call the crucial third album. Outspoken with The Big O from the wonderfully slick opener 'Dreams-Come-True-Girl' which has supporting vocals from actress Karen Black on to the jazzy hillbilly of 'One Way To Go', McCombs keeps his style, dignity and songs at a great height. The relaxed, groovy folkpop songs sound fabulous; traditional but cool enough to be of this century's standard. On 'The Executioner's Song' there is a striking similarity to the recent works of David Grubbs , but just when you might start doubting if his touch is original, the track progresses into what is one of the most soulful moments on record this year. 'Lionkiller Got Married' is an ambitious march-like stonker with an odd tango sound. It is the type of song where you'd contemplate about asking for permission to let Phil Spector out of jail and have him produce an album in the catacombs. Ironic honky-tonk steelguitar country and western, 'Eaves Dropping on the Conversation', portrays McCombs as a musician capable of playing the fool as well. With a wink of an eye, McCombs pays tribute to pubrock next on 'Jonesy Boy'. It is perhaps the sole weaker track, yet is still a gesture worth including; sloppy, muddy, unpolished and bluesy,it is very unlike the fresh acoustics and freaky lyrics on 'One Way To Go', the last track. It first of all has the line, "Wipe New York off the map", and then in the next chorus suggests doing the same with LA. One way to go, one album to buy!

Track Listing:-

1 Dreams-Come-True-Girl
2 Prima Donna
3 You Saved My Life
4 Don't Vote
5 The Executioner's Song
6 Harmonia
7 My Sister, My Spouse
8 Lionkiller Got Married
9 Eavesdropping On The Competition
10 Jonesy Boy
11 One Way To Go

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