Bobby Charles “Bobby Charles”
Another new favorite! Bobby Charles’ self-titled debut album is a perfect ride. And fans of The Band have no excuse not to track this one down, as it features production work from Rick Danko, keys from Garth Hudson and contributions from Levon Helm, and Dr. John as well! (Check the lineup here). Seriously, if you love The Band (s/t) and Music From Big Pink, this is the next record you need.
Bobby Charles is a Louisiana swamp rocker with a good honest voice; he’s something you don’t find every day. You won’t find songwriting like this every day either. The record hits you song after song with its relaxed vibe, authentic lyrics, and instantly gratifying hooks. This is Americana Roots Rock with little else needed for a definition. Bobby kills me when he sings “oh what a good day to go fishing” on the ballad “I Must Be In A Good Place Now” and the 100th time thru the “Save Me Jesus” chorus gets me too. Bobby Charles s/t is split pretty much down the middle with soulful ballads and upbeat groovers. Grow Too Old borders on a Randy Newman sound. He’s Got All The Whiskey should be a standard! Small Town Talk is like a country-cajun Shuggie Otis! Who’s not going to dig this?
The album kind of melts down like a drunkard’s nighttime on side two. But this is the side you keep for yourself. The songs on this side take a little more investment to hear, but they all pay off. There’s the beautiful Tennessee Blues and an ahead-of-its-time treatment to (bonus track) New Mexico. A really classic and contemporary sound on these tracks and just a perfect feel. Sick album, I love it.
“Small Town Talk”
mp3: New Mexico
]Also Recommended
Sweet! These two tracks have got me seriously wanting to hear a whole lot more. “Small Town Talk” hits the spot in an understated way kind of reminiscent of Mike Nesmith’s solo output, but New Mexico is just downright beautiful.
Since i haven’t listened to this album in its entirety it would be presumptuous of me to rate it, but i’m tempted nonetheless to give it a perfect ten. Lovely.
ib November 11, 2007 @ 5:06 am
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Trackback koolkat's me2DAY January 18, 2009 @ 3:59 am
Where did you find the Bobby Charles vinyl!? I am desperately searching for a copy.
Emily January 22, 2010 @ 4:57 pm
[...] classics recorded at the legendary (Bearsville Studios), even featuring a couple players from the Bobby Charles sessions. The sound is akin to that of The Band on some takes, but stripped to just clawhammer [...]
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