KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories)

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The title track twists Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” into a manic juke-joint knife-fight as it slips into the mind of a young soldier working his way through the difficulties of Afghanistan (the acronym stands for “Kiss My Ass Guys, You’re On Your Own”). Elsewhere, this thirty-something Texan sounds wiser and more experienced than his years. “The Letter” is spare, a country-blues sent from jail. “Bottle In My Hand” throws Todd Snider and Corb Lund into the deep country terrain where banjos, mandolins and guitars do the dirty work. “Grateful For Christmas” makes a strong argument for Carll as a stand-up comedian. “Another Like You,” a duet with Cary Ann Hearst, is a humorous take on a mismatched one-night stand. The country slide of “Grand Parade” bolsters Carll’s honky-tonk delivery. Carll has a voice so perfect for country music that he sounds like he grew up in the mid-20th Century and was now unearthed. The sweet gospel finality of “Hide Me” elegantly caps this exquisite album.

via Apple Music