#reviewoftheweek / Bobby Long - Ode To Thinking

Bobby Long is one of those raw talents that doesn't come around often. It's amazing he hasn't made a larger splash in the music world, but it may be for the best. Since his debut album, he's been able to explore his range of talents and influences, creating vastly different and familiar sounding songs, all hinged on his bluesy and folky vibe. He's got one of those deep voices you'd expect from a hard rock singer, yet he uses it to display subtlety through his lyrics, while still being able to deliver pop-esque music. This album features a handful of songs that bridge his short, three album career, both reminding the listener who he is at his roots, and developing a trust with the listener to allow him to visit new sonic places. At the core, Bobby Long is a songwriter and a storyteller, and his lyrics never disappoint. Songs like "I'm Not Going Out Tonight" and the title track are proof positive of that. Really, if you judge the songs just by their titles, you pretty much know what you're going to get lyrically from each. Long's latest album doesn't let down in any way, and is a refreshing addition to his growing catalogue.

BURN THIS / April 2013

 

1. Joshua Radin "Beautiful Day"
2. Josh Rouse "Julie (Come Out Of The Rain)"
3. Courtney Jaye "Say Oh Say"
4. Matt Costa "Ophelia"
5. Current Swell "For The Land"
6. Kopecky Family Band "Heartbeat"
7. Caitlin Rose "Menagerie"
8. Bobby Long "Devil Moon"
9. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors "Good Light"
10. J.J. Grey & Mofro "99 Shades Of Crazy"
11. Jesse Dee "On My Mind, In My Heart"
12. Allen Stone "Satisfaction"
13. Andrew Ripp "Cool Ya (Nobody Loves You Like I Do)"
14. Matt Nathanson "Mission Bells"
15. Ben Howard "Keep Your Head Up"
16. The Staves "Tongue Behind My Teeth"
17. Jay Nash "Wander"
18. Wake Owl "Gold"
19. Rayland Baxter "Willy's Song"
20. Carbon Leaf "Bloody Good Bar Fight Song"

New Music Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Bobby Long - Wishbone
• Lotus - Build
• The Sweet Remains - North & Prospect

BURN THIS / February 2013

 
1. Josh Ritter "Joy To You Baby"
2. Jay Nash "Sailor"
3. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors "Tennessee"
4. Caitlin Rose "I Was Cruel"
5. Bobby Long "In Your Way"
6. Alabama Shakes "Be Mine"
7. Trey Anastasio "Valentine"
8. Allen Stone "Contact High"
9. Jim James "A New Life"
10. The Avett Brothers "February Seven"
11. Good Old War "Loud Love"
12. Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons "Old Love"
13. Phillip Phillips "Where We Came From"
14. Kris Allen (featuring Meiko) "Loves Me Not"
15. Tristan Prettyman "Say Anything"
16. Benjamin Gibbard (featuring Aimee Mann) "Bigger Than Love"
17. Jukebox The Ghost "Don't Let Me Fall Behind"
18. Walk The Moon "I Can Lift A Car"
19. OneRepublic "Feel Again"
20. Paper Route "Two Hearts"

BURN THIS / November 2011

1. Grace Woodroofe (featuring Ben Harper) "I've Handled Myself Wrong"
2. Piers Faccini "My Wilderness"
3. Josh Garrels "White Owl"
4. Chadwick Stokes "Rainsong"
5. The White Buffalo "I Wish It Was True"
6. John Craigie "Boston In November"
7. Joshua Hyslop "If I Was A Better Man"
8. Michael Kiwanuka "I'm Getting Ready"
9. Ed Sheeran "The A Team"
10. Ben Howard "Three Tree Town"
11. Greg Holden "Following Footsteps"
12. The Milk Carton Kids "Michigan"
13. Bobby Long "Dead And Done"
14. Lisa Hannigan (featuring Ray LaMontagne) "O Sleep"
15. Mason Jennings "Clutch"
16. The Head And The Heart "Coeur d'Alene"
17. Caitlin Rose "Shanghai Cigarettes"
18. The Belle Brigade "Losers"
19. Motopony "King Of Diamonds"
20. Dawes "A Little Bit Of Everything"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during November.

BURN THIS / March 2011

1. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors "Fire & Dynamite"
2. Augustana "Steal Your Heart"
3. Bob Schneider "Let The Light In"
4. Chamberlin "Dust"
5. James Vincent McMorrow "This Old Dark Machine"
6. Fistful Of Mercy "Fistful Of Mercy"
7. Jones Street Station "The Understanding"
8. Middle Brother "Me, Me, Me"
9. North Mississippi Allstars "This A'Way"
10. Will Conner (featuring J.J. Grey) "That's All Right Mama"
11. John Craigie "Mama Nashville"
12. Bobby Long "Penance Fire Blues"
13. Amos Lee "Out Of The Cold"
14. Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs "God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise"
15. The Low Anthem "Ghost Woman Blues"
16. Nathaniel Rateliff "Early Spring Till"
17. Gregory Alan Isakov "Big Black Car"
18. The Pines "Lonesome Tremolo Blues"
19. Haroula Rose "Duluth"
20. Mason Jennings "So Many Ways To Die"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during March.

CD REVIEW: Bobby Long "A Winter Tale"

The blues are alive and well in the young musicians releasing music these days, but they have never been as beautifully sung as when Bobby Long approaches them. His British roots, coupled with his incredible lyrics and guitar chops make his ATO Records debut album one of the best of the year. He matches the subtlety of the instrumentation with the magic of his heartfelt and emotional lyrics, proving that his experience is well beyond his years. "Who Have You Been Loving" is a masterpiece and songs like "A Passing Tale" and "Penance Fire Blues" show off his rough voice, musical passion, and poignant lyrics. Long is an artist following his own path, not attempting to copy anyone or mimic musical trends, making this album something refreshing and great.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Tina Dico - Welcome Back Colour
• Bobby Long - A Winter Tale
• Matisyahu - Live At Stubb's, Vol. 2
• North Mississippi Allstars - Keys To The Kingdom