Down by the Ol’ Mainstream: Gary Allan

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC5uSKLdRCI]

I typically leave posting and blabbing about many of the more “mainstream Nashville types” to other blogs and sites.  I generally like to focus on acts that I feel do not garner the attention that they deserve.  In the spirit of new beginnings for a new year and the same hope for attention to talent that I feel deserves it, I want to occasionally spotlight an act that many jaded Alt-Twang-Red-Roots-River-Rockabilly fans will appreciate, regardless of the artists current address or label.  Also, I have never agreed or taken part in blanket, blind “Nashville Bashing,” as there is a surplus of true grit and twangy sparkle to go ’round in Music City.  I have long felt many of the major labels and large corporate radio conglomerates have teamed together to drastically, and in many ways, negatively alter the definition of what America refers to as “Country Music.”  Having said that, plenty of quality, independently-minded artists slip through the seat belts of soccer moms’ mini-vans to break free of what has become known as “Country” and still find a way to be progressive, aggressive, and true to the Real Country label that is stamped upon it.

I’ll start off with an easy one to get us started, Gary Allan.  Much has been written about the California native regarding the tragic suicide of his wife three years ago, his gritty, edgy voice and his penchant for picking the songs that are “too country” for many other Nashville acts.  I particularly appreciate his tendency to pick songs from some of Texas’ best writers, as he has recorded cuts from Bruce Robison, Todd Snider and Radney Foster.  I have to admit, as much as I have liked most of Allan’s radio hits (“Smoke Rings in the Dark,” ”It would be You,” “Songs About Rain”, etc..),  I have never broken down and actually purchased one of his cd’s.  That all changed with his most recent offering, Living Hard.  While many folks and blogs have told me that this disc isn’t his best and is softer around the edges than usual, I have enjoyed it for that very same reason.   I love the sunny-sleek choruses that remind me of some of the better Country-Rock that California produced in the 70′s as “She’s So California” takes advantage of all the hyperbole that the Sunshine State has to offer. ”Watching Airplanes” is the lead single and is a good mid-tempo ditty that has a chorus laced with super glue as it will stick in yo’ brain all day. I will say that I would’ve like to have heard something like “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” from his previous Alright Guy disc, but I doubt that it would’ve actually had a place on this collection as it’s hardwood scootin’, good time feel isn’t what this disc is about.  This disc is an example to all the Keith Urban wannabes out there as to how to blend jagged with polish and not sound like you just swallowed a rainbow and you want to share with the world how it tastes so sweet and ponies are so soft and furry.  “We Touched the Sun,” “Wrecking Ball” and the title track all display a sonic that rocks while the lyrics ache without seeping sentimentality. 

As I poke around Itunes I notice that many of Allan’s deeper album cuts are as strong, and more so in certain cases, as the bigger hits of his career.  “Just got Back From Hell” from his Tough All Over album is relayed to us from a true and believable perspective as he lets the Devil know that he will “…just have to wait.”  Thankfully, he did make it back, and has seemingly overcome such depths and is looking forward, perhaps as he is “Watching Airplanes” (sorry, I couldn’t help it)….

She’s So California: Live

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jANAcsBxxCA]