After a period of silence and retreating back to my “comfort food” diet of The Beatles, The Who, Big Star, etc., it’s nice to hear something new and uplifting in a vein that I appreciate. Crafted songs with warmth that exude hope are the main menu items on Maybe Things Will Be Alright, the newest offering from New York-based singer-songwriter Jim Allen. What makes this album even more appetizing for me is that it features two of my favorite musicians (and biggest influences) as part of the ensemble – Peter Holsapple and Richard Barone. I sat with this album to digest it, since it’s been a while of me actively listening and wanting to share my view.
The opening track (which is also the album’s title) is an instantly warming piece; Mr. Allen’s vocals reminds me in ways of Warren Zevon (who I’ve always been a fan of) – the music is fitting and soothing – and Mr. Holsapple’s harmonies add that special touch. “Let My People Go To Sleep” is an upbeat, countrified track with witty Biblical lyrics and I couldn’t help but smile at the turns of phrases used. “In A Cave” has slightly more sinister (but very wry) feel and features Mr. Barone on harmonies; the use of organ is very well placed as the track’s foundation and Mr. Barone’s signature Ebow adds a perfect, eerie element.
“Downpour Blue” has a swamp-boogie texture and some deft guitar work interwoven with (what sounds like to me) Fender Rhodes keyboard; again, Mr. Allen exercises wit and humor in a subtle lyrical manner. “They Get Up” has a ’70’s bluesy vibe with a quasi-singspeak style and a dark zombie narration; the guitar work is heavier and tasteful and works on all levels; “Covered In Snow” is another track that makes you smile from the opening lyrics (“I’m a shivering bastard frozen in place/panic is plastered all over my face…”). “It’s Hard” closes this album with a straightforward mid-tempo ’70’s rock essence – the slide guitar instantly reminded me of George Harrison’s post-Beatles works.
All in all, this is a very good, strong and upbeat album that I do, indeed, recommend. It’s clearly a labor of love and fun – and isn’t that what music is supposed to do? Make us smile and bring joy. Jim Allen’s latest release does both.
Oh, and for the record – I know I made a lot of dietary references at the outset; the last few months have been extremely difficult and stressful and I did (in fact) lose over 30 pounds, so I suppose there’s a silver lining in this!
Maybe Things Will Be Alright is currently available
https://jimallen.bandcamp.com/album/maybe-things-will-be-alright
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