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From the moment the title track of Billy Shaddox’s I Melt, I Howl kicks in to open this album, you get that twinge of excitement that this is going to be good. A breezy, warm track that immediately turns your head – a mix of pop melody, clean guitars, crisp production and immensely pleasing vocals.  This Colorado native has the ability of melding both pure roots-y Americana and a skilled manner in pop writing.  Which makes an automatic win for me.

If the joyfulness of the title song wasn’t enough (which it isn’t), “My Hands Don’t Lie” is an absolute pop gem – catchy melody, upbeat – all the right elements.  “Feels Like Home” is the masterful Americana Shaddox has begun to build his reputation around – banjo runs, strident rhythm, warmly undertoned acoustic guitar and subtle harmonies; “Fireflies” is an acoustic gem – the effects on the vocals heighten the song’s emotional width and “Story Of You And I” is as sweet and embracing as a country-fied love song can be.

This album is one fine collection of songs – I believe I can consider myself an absolute fan of Billy Shaddox.  And I can only hope that he continues to produce music of this calibre.  A very happy find, indeed.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I Melt, I Howl will be released on June 16th, 2015

http://billyshaddox.com/

Album Reviews, Music

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About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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