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Call it what you will – “alt country”, “americana” and any amount of hyperbole, but Jared Rabin’s debut solo album, Something Left To Say, is wonderful.  This Chicago singer-songwriter, who previously played in Falldown, has issued one very fine and complete piece of work.

The melodic structures are just right, while the arrangements and vibe of each song fits perfectly, along with a top notch production.  From the moment the album begins with the title track, there is a warmth and deep feeling that immediately draws you into listening.  Slide runs and soulful organ undertones paint this song as a perfect start, leading into the more rocking “Eight Trips Around The Sun”, which has an upbeat vibe with sweet harmonies on the chorus and “A Memory Forever” reminds me in some ways of a Neil Young-flavored piece.

“Not Heart Broken” is another standout; 12-string strokes help color this with some tasteful solo punctures in between the verses; “Nothing I Can Do” is pure down-home country with a slightly Celtic edge and nice fiddle fills and “Ride The Wheel” closes the album in a nicely heavy (but not dark) manner – think of The Black Crowes and you’ll know what I mean.

If this is just Jared Rabin’s debut, I think he’s on the right road to putting out some more quality work – to which, I hope so.  Because this is just plain excellent.  And a pleasure to listen to.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Something Left To Say is available now

http://www.jaredrabin.com/

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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