The Way Back Home "Review" and meta-criticism

Ghost Town Council had the great honor of opening for Whitney Mann and the Boys' CD release party way back on May 29th at Cafe Alchemy. I have since indicated an interest in reviewing the release here on the Mad Country blog. But since that occurred, I realized that I would be terrible at reviewing an album (given enough listens, I think I would like nearly anything). In fact, I find the whole practice to be pretty miserable. Especially since once personal favorite, Pitchfork.com levied this as a "review" of Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's self titled album.

Yet while Hood's unconventionally hoarse yelp attracted twang-wary indie fans and Cooley's gunslinger drawl was irresistible no matter how you felt about country, Isbell's booming, manful voice irredeemably marked him out as the least hip of the Trucker singers for the duration of his stay. Being the overweight guy in the group for a spell probably didn't help either.

Even when Isbell slimmed down considerably, however, he still retained the voice of a guy who takes ham with every meal.

So rather than go into the subtleties of why Andrew Harrison's use of the pedal steel guitar is perfect (yes, perfect), or why Whitney Mann might be Madison's most complete alt-country singer and songwriter, or just how much I appreciate the tightness of the rhythm section, I am simply going to say that this album is fantastic.

It's easy to see how Whitney made it on that Triple M contest Project M, and it's just as easy to see why Whitney and the Boys were invited to Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?. Whitney offers a fresh take on the Madison (alt-)country scene that is already burgeoning with talent. But great sound, high energy, and tight feel doesn't always translate into a great album. But it works here.

The production on "The Way Back Home" is great. I'm not familiar with how Milwaukee producer J. Christopher Hughes put the album together, but the mix is incredible. It has the old time feel of 'put the mic in the room and let the band do it.' From top to bottom, this CD was a great experience. Colorful drums, tight harmonies, perfect pedal steel work (there it is again), solid bass playing, and beautiful singing really makes this album come together and come alive.

The songwriting on the album is enthralling. But it goes beyond handing out a chord progression to a band, and having lyrics set to it. The band understands their role, and they provide for a great trip through this album. My personal favorite: "I Said," is the greatest example of how the band and lyrics weave in and out through one another and present "the sound."

On the negative(ish) side, I will say the album is too short. But honestly, if that's the worst thing that you can say about an album, then really, is it a bad thing? I mean, clearly you want to leave the audience wanting more, and this release does that for sure.

So to Whitney Mann, Andrew Harrison, Kyle Jacobson, and Tim Russell I say well done.

You can pick up "The Way Back Home" at the following url:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/whitneymann

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to support local music.

Edited 7/8/09
Edited 8/19/09