Got a press release of sorts to pass along, from singer songwriter Wes McDonald,
Former Athenian (GA) and current Birmingham (AL) resident Wes McDonald is set to release his fourth LP, 1:50 In The Furnace, on Skybucket Records on April 4, 2006. The album, produced in part by Ken Coomer, formerly of Wilco and Uncle Tupelo, is a sterling collection of old-fashioned power pop and country-rock, the kind of gimmick-free rock-solid songwriting that doesn’t come around too often.
Once upon a long time ago, guys (and occasionally gals) obsessed with writing songs were a unique breed, back before everybody saw themselves as the next version of whomever their favorite performer was at that moment of the day. The resulting meager musical offerings were irritating at best.
Wes McDonald is a rare exception. Blessed with a genuine knack for melody and interesting lyrical play, McDonald continues to crank out catchy gems that will no doubt one day land him a spot in record collections around the world.
A veteran of Athens, GA jangle rock outfit, The Ohms, and assorted solo projects, McDonald has been known to tackle a genre or two in his day. McDonald’s latest offering, 1:50 in the Furnace, is somewhat less frantic in terms of taking on all genres. The clarity and vision of his first three releases remain solid as ever, and though he doesn¹t mine the country folk territory of his rootsy Cuttin’ Up Rocks, McDonald secures his place solidly in melodic Americana. The result is McDonald at his most natural, rocking out like an irresistible Tom Petty but still refusing to be backed into a stylistic corner. The highlight is a ripping “All Revved Up†featuring one of the catchiest guitar hooks heard by these ears in a decade. Nor has he abandoned the jangly, layered guitars associated with the Posies and dBs that got him here in the first place.
And of course a couple nice mp3s for you to sample….
Wes McDonald- Chinese Rug
Wes McDonald- Brethren
Wes McDonald- Day One
