Buford Pope, Blue-Eyed Boy, Swedish Americana!

Buford Pope

Blue-Eyed Boy

Unchained Records

Readers and record companies, there are no hidden agendas at this magazine. This album by Buford Pope came in to me and has missed a couple of deadlines, but it keeps fighting its way to the top of my list on its merit.It’s a laid-back Americana affair that I’ve enjoyed returning to.  His unusual voice sounds a little like the upper register of Chris Isaak and most of the songs here are just as strong as the hit, Wicked Game.

Buford Pope (taken from a film) is also a master musician and he provides effective variety by alternating acoustic guitar, piano, and banjo and even slings an electric guitar for a couple of songs.  The drums and upright bass provide the steady rhythm against which Pope pours out his emotional songs.

Influenced by Bob Dylan, Neil Young and the quieter side of Springsteen, it’s difficult to ignore Freewheeling which although is autobiographical, is also an ode to Dylan in its intonations.  By the artist’s own admission, these songs have been knocking around for ten years waiting for the right circumstances.The finished quality of Blue-Eyed Boy, proves once more, that time can be the perfect ingredient for a recording.

I hope the artist will forgive the late review but in my defence, I’ll quote his own lyric on No Man’s Land – “Sometimes life feels like water, it runs so fast through my hands”.

EP Reviews

Superman by Peter Donegan is a five-track Country EP of bold intent that is named after the first track.  Peter’s strengths are song-writing with lyrics that are believable and memorable.  On Ode to a Friend, it’s a more crossover sound, akin to Mumford & Sons- and all the songs have a very contemporary flavour.  For his next full-length album, in this crowded genre, I would be seeking a duet with the very best Country performers in the States, whilst simultaneously seeking a more offbeat duet for the UK market for more exposure on both sides of the Atlantic.  It shouldn’t be difficult to arrange as these songs sell themselves and Peter will encounter a lot of goodwill in the music industry in fond memory of his late father, Lonnie.    

Black Stone Cherry have released Black to Blues, a six-track EP.  Built for Comfort, my favourite Hoochie Coochie Man and I want to be Loved, were written by Willie Dixon (as were Little Red Rooster and I just Want to Make Love to You) and have been performed by Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Bo Diddley, as well as by Cream, The Doors, Jeff Beck, The Stones, Led Zep’, and ‘Hendrix.  Black Stone Cherry carve out their own versions of the songs that they say run in their blood.  I also see it as merely a continuation of their evolving creativity (still strong after 17 years!) that saw them record Edwin Starr’s War and acoustic ballad The Rambler on their last album Kentucky.  Make sure there is a passenger alongside if you are listening whilst driving, as these tunes could conjure up the wrong type of blues in your rear-view mirror.

The Swift Drag from Austin, Texas are nothing like their name may suggest.  Their psychedelic music is far more satisfying and the title of their EP We Won’t Need That, perhaps implores us to let their music entertain us. Will Evans and David Jobe interlace drums, guitars and impassioned vocals into elaborate patterns combining the energy of The Doors and the creativity of The Black Keys.  It’s very “Burning Man” in its shamanic percussion, guitar technique and riveting vocals.

Self-released Days Like These by American born, Essex based Philip Marino is his third EP, ably assisted by The Felice Brothers which came about after replying to an open request to send demos in.  What sets this artist apart is his matchless deep and full-bodied voice, meaningful songs and acoustic mastery.  He’s got a strong following in the South-East for his live shows and airplay on national radio is increasing his well-deserved popularity.

Danish rockers We the Moon are the final band to make the cut for this issue. Rhea is a four-track triumph on Phillipa Records that has genre-resisting vocals and a heavy groove.  I particularly liked how the whole band builds a momentum to each song, bringing a refreshing unpredictability and a rawness to their music.

NE