There's a range of emotion (expressed like a gentleman, of course) throughout this LP, but it starts out positive with the wonderful "Central Time." Pokey and Co. did St. Louis proud when he performed it on Letterman this year. My favorite tune, "Devil Ain't Lazy" is a perfectly performed word of warning with a wicked harmonica solo. All the instruments have a classic sound, but the mix is so clear. There's really no 'old-timey' gimmicks other than authentic songwriting here.
Authenticity is why the album is so strong. Many artists try to make period music only to slowly abandon the style throughout the record. Pokey is obviously dedicated to a past era of music, but he uses it as an advantage creatively, rather than letting it pigeonhole him. For example, as he complains of doctor bills on "Close the Door" he never lets modernity creep in and ruin the illusion.
Take the winds and backing vocals on "What the Rain Will Bring" the pedal steel on "One Town At A Time" or the guitar work on "Won'tcha Please Don't Do It." There's nothing in the mix, no chord progression or melody flourish that doesn't sound like it belongs. Even Pokey's vocal style, which can be quite dramatic at times, is perfectly comfortable leading these songs. He can pull off love songs like "Kentucky Mae" with ease, which is no easy feat in the Cynical Age.
I really can't say enough about this record. It's sure to please everyone from eight to eighty, so run out, get it, and give Pokey some of your time. He's certainly earned it.
