Low by name and by nature, this is a mini (30 minute) concept album with
eight forlorn songs following the dwindling fortunes of an everyman figure who "cannot believe that this is all there is to life".
In his beaten-down state of mind this lost soul yearns for the sun of California or anything to kick start his life.
Drink offers no consolation for his lonesome state of mind and is no cure for the sense that his life is slowly drifting away.
It begins with the title track and the droll delivery of the line "I'm a whisky farmer trying to grow champagne" is illustrative of the fact that any humour is extremely deadpan.
This is Low's fourth album and although it was recorded in Jackpot! studios in his home town of Portland, Oregon it has more in common with the Nashville sound.
With the band's sleepy honky tonk piano and slide guitar, the Cosmic Americana of Gram Parsons is an obvious influence. Paul Brainard on pedal steel and dobro deserves special mention.
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The jauntiest tune is Sleeping It Off but the lyrics are no less despairing and there's no happy ending in sight.
There's a strong sense of wallowing in self pity to the point that the song The Stars Don't Care suggests that even the universe is conspiring against him.
I would have sympathised more with this man's plight if the resigned 'woe is me' sentiment was infused with a little more rage.
As it is, this is simply a downbeat album without a silver lining. Pretty depressing stuff.
Jame's Low's Website
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