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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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Tim Easton: Traditional Folk Rock for Now People
Wednesday 18 September @ 10:02:30 |
 by Rob van Alstyne
Hybrid genres are always an interesting proposition. What validity do silly tags like “electro-clash,” “trip-hop” or “alt-country” really have in terms of describing music? Arguably none, but they do provide convenient marketing labels for the record industry and therefore continue to flourish. Alt-country provides a particularly troubling example. Apparently in the age of Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks and other white pop/disco country, anyone packing an acoustic guitar and some authentic twang is operating in “alternative” terrain.
Vagaries come into play whenever people attempt to define alternative country acts—silly phrases like “The spirit of the Replacements meets the banjo.” By that measure, Tim Easton, with quality fingerpicked acoustic songs and a weathered, gritty voice reminiscent of Steve Earle, is one of the best “alternative” artists working. And although clearly indebted to the likes of Earle and John Prine, Easton is far from being a boring retread of great influences.
His latest album, The Truth About Us (released on former Minneapolis music magnet Peter Jesperson’s New West Records), represents a perfect distillation of all the elements that make alt-country connoisseurs salivate. Released in 2001 and recorded with the aid of Wilco (sans Tweedy) as his backing band, The Truth About Us manages to make melancholic folk sound varied and dynamic. The masterful work of former Wilco guitarist/keyboardist/producer maestro Jay Bennett is all over the record in the form of perfect synthesizer touches that carefully augment Easton’s spare tunes.
As if the Wilco connection weren’t enough to spark attention, Easton pulls in other alt-country heavyweights, including former Jayhawk Marc Olson and his talented wife Victoria Williams, to help flesh out his music. Of course, all of the guest spots would be pretty meaningless if they only served to dress up mediocre songs; but Easton proves capable of pulling his own weight throughout the album.
Atmospheric ballads fueled by stray keyboard gurgles (“Bad Florida”) stay grounded thanks to Easton’s voice, an expressive instrument despite his low-key approach. Elsewhere (particularly “Downtown Lights” and “Soupgame Telephone Conversation”), things get flat out funky as Easton looks to inject some boogie into his polished bar rock.
The true soul of Easton’s muse, however, lies in his weepier numbers. The haunting and elegiac “I Would Have Married You” manages to stretch out past the six-minute mark and still not overstay it’s welcome. A straightforward narrative of love lost, Easton’s written the kind of song so timeless it’s hard to believe it isn’t a long lost American classic.
The Truth About Us may be a record steeped in traditional songwriting and straightforward romantic sentiments, but Easton and his cohorts’ skillful touch ensure a listening experience that still feels fresh. Easton’s pending 400 Bar gig represents the end of a long leg of touring in support of The Truth About Us, and should be a great opportunity to hear songs from his upcoming new record, Break Your Mother’s Heart, due in February 2003.
Tim Easton plays Fri., Sep. 27, at the 400 Bar with Special Guests. 9 p.m. $8. 21+. 400 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls. 612-332-2903.
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