Roadhouse Sun

Comment: I was very disappointed after reading the description. I thought this was going to be unique Rural/Folk Type Music, but too many of the songs are Very Hard Loud Country Rockabilly, with way, WAY TOO MANY VERY LOUD ABRASIVE ELECTRIC GUITARS!!!

However, for people who like that sort of thing, they did do a good job. So, 2 stars off for not being as described, and 3 stars for technical quality of performers.

Comment: The first thing you notice when you start playing this album is Ryan Bingham's intensely scratchy, road-weary voice. If you can get past the roughness of his voice, there's a pretty good selection of songs lined up for your listening pleasure.

The songs are generally not amazing, and the songwriting can sometimes lack the tightness that would make them go down easier. The ballads can drag at times and feel like they are going on for far too long, while the rockers are mostly catchy, but can feel cliched at times. However, the songs are all at least pretty good and show a lot of potential for Bingham's future. As catchy as it is for Bingham's singing, I have a difficult time listening to lines like, "When the day's done/I was a born a bad man's son," with a hokey instrumental part in the background in the album's opener. The same situation plagues "Hey Hey Hurray." Some songs sound very derivative; if "Country Roads" doesn't sound like an outtake from Steve Earle's album "I Feel Alright," then I don't know what does (which is not at all a bad thing). I'm not sure what "Dylan's Hard Rain" really has to do with Dylan, as it doesn't sound like his music nor particularly his lyrical style, but the song is pretty good nonetheless. There are some real standout tracks, though. One of my favorites is the pseudo-psychedelic "Change Is," a song that begs to be played (very) loud. The two best tracks may be "Bluebird" and the album closer, "Wishing Well," both of which are basically perfect for their lyrics and sense of satisfaction that they give the listener by the time they both end.

Ryan Bingham has a lot of potential as a songwriter and it will be exciting to hear his future musical output. If you don't mind the scratchiness of his voice, you'll find that this album has a lot to offer. The music and the lyrics may be iffy at times, but the sum of the parts is definitely worth a spin.

Comment: Roadhouse Sun is the kind of album you can play straight through without the distraction of a lackluster song. It features the gin-soaked-sounding vocals of singer Ryan Bingham who is backed by a strong, versatile band; adept at mixing good country rock basics with their own brand of musical experimentation. The play list starts with the catchy "Day is Done", giving us a glimpse of what's to come. Bingham's lyricism does not hide behind a veil of poetic niceties. Rather, the songs are raw, gritty and true to life. The singer's voice is the perfect compliment to the cynicism and a sense of uprootedness that often dominates the music.

The tracks are varied without betraying the essence of what makes the songs consistently good. Some of them are reminiscent of 60/70's folk rock. Bingham doesn't seem to disguise the fact that he pays homage to some of the greats that influenced the early folk rock scene. "Dylan's Hard Rain Lyrics" is the most obvious example--rife with social commentary and biting lines such as: "There's some hippies, in the back room. Rockin' and a rollin' and a smoking to an old tune. Someone took a guitar and a match, and set peace on fire." Other songs reveal certain licks that could be compared to some memorable 60s offerings including The Band's much acclaimed "The Weight" of 1968. Like "The Weight" and many standards of its era, Bingham's songs seem to echo the elusive sentiments of the wandering traveler; a timeless theme that still makes for good storytelling.

The tone of the music changes on track 3 "Tell my mother I miss her so" with bluegrass, banjo and upbeat percussion successfully conveying a feeling of restlessness. It is followed by the fun tune "Country Road", the perfect road song. "Snake eyes" and "Rollin Highway Blues" provide a retreat into acoustic reverie, with the penetrating rawness of Mr. Bingham's voice reflecting acute pain and sadness. His rough voice is well suited as a focal point--with "Rollin Highway Blues" being nothing short of magnificent. The instruments work well together and never overpower the singer--with smooth steel guitar punctuated by graceful piano carrying us through the blues. It is my personal favorite on the CD. The song is soaked in self pity and literally gives me goosebumps with lyrics like: "And darlin' don't regret, leaving a drunken fool. And darlin' don't respect, a man that don't care for you. Never go back to the rolling highway blues."

Then there's "Endless Ways" with a Neil Young meets Tom Petty meets John Mellencamp vibe -- it's a song that seems to drag through muffled guitar licks that sound all too familiar. Not one of the better selections on this otherwise impressive collection of good tunes.The musical prowess of the singer and band can be best identified in "Change Is". The track builds up with and almost menacing cadence and crescendos into a cacophony of experimental guitar somewhat reminiscent of the Rolling Stones' monumental "Let it Bleed" album of 1969. In fact, the song merges and progresses into a "Salt of the Earth" layered sound that has a way of holding us captive to the end. It's edgy, it's unpredictable and anything but complacent. This song might not be for everyone, but I can appreciate the edgy flavor that pushes the band into a realm of complexity; without sacrificing the omnipresent backdrop of country rock infusion.

Overall, this is good music that has what it takes to stand the test of time.

Comment: Let me preface by stating that I have NEVER listened nor liked country. I grew up in Southern California on a heavy dose of Sublime, Blink-182, Social D, you get the idea. So when I heard my friends from Texas talking about this dude, I was skeptical. Wow was I wrong. I was expecting a younger Garth Brooks or something, instead I get heavy rock with a light dose of country. This guy is absolutely amazing. The greatest part of this CD is that I cannot decipher which song is my favorite. Initially I picked 'Tell My Mother I Miss Her So', then it was 'Hey Hey Hurray'...now I would have to go with the extremely bluesy 'Wishing Well.' Point being there are so many good tracks that the CD will hold your attention for a long long while. I hope that 'Crazy Heart' gives this guy the recognition he deserves. Oh, and Mescalito is amazing too.

Comment: I will put the same review as i did his newer album...both are great! I love Bingham, his music reminds me of a mixture of southern rock, country and blues all mixed together! All the songs are good and unique in their own way. I love all the different instruments the band plays, not just typical drums, guitar, and base...but many others!