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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

7th of November 2012

Andrew Combs - Worried Man (2012)


Andrew is, for me, the unquestionable future of American country music. Maybe it's too audacious to compare the significance of this album with the first Willie Nelson album "And Then I Wrote" from 1962 but both announced to the world the appearance of great songwriter. Better comparison would be with debut albums of two great country artists Steve Earle and Lyle Lovett, because Andrew covers up the whole range of moods and emotions of both Steve and Lyle. Andrew's songwriting is first class, singing also, still I'm afraid he'll suffer the faith of Matraca Berg, another great songwriter, whose songs have made famous other singers, but she stays almost completely anonymous. The disturbing factor for superficial listeners is always-present thin line of sorrow in his voice, which Steve and Lyle also have, but the greatest mainstream country stars e.g. Clint Black, Garth Brooks or George Strait don't. However, I don't think Mr.Combs wants to be mainstream country star. He just wants to play his songs and to improve musically and as a performer. The progress could be seen if you listen continuously his EP Tennessee Time and this album. The first is top notch material, specially my favorite "Hummingbird", but looser, more relaxed and musically simpler, on the second one, the band is more prominent and tighter in fast numbers. It sounds like rock'n'roll, and it's compliment!

I'd rather not bother you anymore, fortunately you can hear it all for free and buy if you like on BANDCAMP