James Low Western Front - Whiskey Farmer

by Lisa Torem

published: 17 / 2 / 2012

James Low Western Front - Whiskey Farmer

Label: Union Made
Format: CD

Inconsistent Americana on new album from Portland, Oregon-based band, which looks at the plight of the average American working class

Review

The James Low Western Front’s new CD, ‘Whiskey Farmer’, lends credence to the plight of the average, often disgruntled, working man. Besides the lead singer and songwriter, James Low, the band consists of Tim Huggins (bass/vocals) Dave Camp (guitar/vocals) and Joe Mengis (drums), though a number of other guests add to this recording. The album has eight original tunes which will soon be made into videos, in which the central character, the above mentioned “whiskey farmer”, will star as a man in various moods as he contends with every day ups and downs. The title song explores the whiskey farmer’s rural routines, in which he encounters, “heat stroke” and “blue ribbon steers.” What poignantly pulls the song together is the line, “I’m a whiskey farmer trying to grow champagne.” Particularly entertaining is Paul Brainard’s outstanding pedal steel. The second tune, ‘The Stars Don’t Care’, starts right off with an interesting premise:“I went climbing up that family tree.” He asserts that “it sure ain’t no Eden.” In the same vein, similar themes of disillusionment continue throughout. A strong sense of place ensues in ‘The Stars Don’t Care.’ “Stars shine on Texas/They shine on Paris/ They shine on Portland/Stars they don’t care.” Dave Camp’s electric guitar does care, though, as it brightens up the Americana feel. The next songs, ‘I Would Have You’ and ‘Thinking California’, are less endearing; in fact they take a while to percolate, but the mood, lyric and arrangement picks up again with ‘Medicine Show.’ Ralph Huntley’s ivory tinkling contributes to the let’s party atmosphere. ‘Sleeping It Off’ is the proverbial drinking song, in which some wry humour bleeds into the mix: “If I am a fool, put a pillow on my head.” ‘Words’ ironically relies too much on cliché, but is driven by more bright, pedal steel. The last song, ‘A Little More Time’, drags despite producer Mike Coykendall’s diligent drums. Low’s pleasing voice works well for the Americana accompaniment and likable lyrics, though the songwriting is not consistently as strong as it could be, but there are definitely some stellar moments.