In 2007, Mescalito proved to be a breakthrough album for Ryan Bingham, the gravel-voiced rodeo cowboy who has seen rough times in multiple states and even different countries. With a tighter set of tunes that rock just a bit harder than the previous release, Road House Sun (Lost Highway) serves as the Comp II to Mescalito’s Comp I – Bingham course.
With the Southern Rock vibe kicked up a considerable notch, likely due in-part to the increased influence of former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford serving as producer and playing guitar on many tracks, Bingham explores a bit more terrain lyrically here. “Endless Ways” seems to be an exasperated expression of the need for something new, even though its an effectively rousing number, the song doesn’t really seem to bring anything new to the “I hate conservatives” table from a content perspective, while “Dylan’s Hard Rain” tackles various social issues, such as the legalization of pot. Without even a hint of subtlety, Bingham sings, “people are growing truckloads of marijuana / maybe someday our friends will be American farmers.” Whether I agree with Bingham’s take on any of the issues isnt really the point, as I truly enjoy each song on this disc. Tracks such as “Rollin Highway Blues” and “Snake Eyes” are numbers that would’ve fit nicely onto Mescalito, and provide a short break from the speedy tempo of most of the album. Perhaps the song that blends the Southern Rock charge with the laid back Country feel of the albums other tracks is “Wishing Well”. Reminiscent of the smoother, more melodic Allman Brothers tunes, Bingham’s vocal is distinctive enough to make sure that no one would ever actually confuse this song, or any of the other cuts, for anyone other than the well-worn troubadour.
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As you saw in my review, I couldn’t agree more.