Album Review – “Colter Wall” (Self-Titled)
Like opening an old chest long ago stashed away in an attic or crawl space and ages forgotten, but once it’s cracked and the odoriferous concoctions emanating from its bowels mix with the memories tied to the contents in an overwhelming waff almost too much to behold, the yawning of Colter Wall’s vocal aperture is like the spontaneous appearance of a hoary portal into the past where the present day escapes the mind and you find yourself amidst the ghosts of a by-gone epoch.
Colter Wall’s voice is truly a thing to behold. No descriptor or accolade employed to convey its powers of conjuration can be accused of embellishment. The only detriment is that future generations will be burdened to find fresh adjectives to describe it, while us currently present in its audience have the unfair opportunity to attempt to recount its effects while it’s still being presented in its nascent state.
Yet with all the reverie about this 21-year-old’s tonal qualities, the full breadth of the Colter Wall experience is amply aided by a visual component. With the prevalence of affected voices and phony put-ons—especially in the parts of music reflective of the past—it’s easy to cast off Colter as simply a bad Johnny Cash gimmick if you’re one who’s prone to be dubious of what you perceive as adulterated styles. If you see Colter sing however, you can tell that in the way he bears down on every word, how his eyes naturally shut as if he’s surrendering himself as a vessel to the words as opposed to autonomously offering them of his own volition, there is no question this scraggly ginger-headed kid from snowy Saskatchewan is nothing else but what you hear.
This is all impressive, enthralling, perhaps even daunting to behold since Colter’s singing is so thick with originality, yet hauntingly familiar. But music is not a skills competition, or solely a display of natural virtue, despite this prevalent misnomer spreading throughout popular culture and reality television. Without something to say, without that morsel of emotion and connectivity to the human experience, Colter’s notation is just a noise, inescapably interesting as it may be.
Styles and dialects and phonetics change, but the eternal themes that stir the soul remain, and it’s the seamless tie to what Colter sings about and how he sings it that makes the experience something beyond music. It is the ability to introduce the element of time into the mix, not just as a texture, but as a vehicle for transporting perspective to places and situations far beyond the listener’s current coordinates, and deliver them into a previous era. Virtual reality doesn’t have shit on what Colter Wall can concoct with with the character influences hearkened from Guthrie and Hank, and held in that much higher regard when delivered by what sounds like the narration of human history itself.
Colter Wall is more folk than country, with murder ballads and harrowing hobo tales being at the heart of his songs. But the question is how to take those influences and makes them relevant to the present day. Some may think even suggesting this exercise would be like a sacrilege from the sheer power of what Colter Wall is able to accomplish here through his neotraditional styling, but to emulate Woody Guthrie, you can’t just be a reenactor, you have to be an originator like Woody was, no matter how wowing your voice might be. The modern day Woody and Hank are not those that reinterpret their songs in their own image, they’re people like Jason Isbell, John Moreland, and Evan Felker who are making the same impact, only in the present day.
The themes of Colter Wall’s music are timeless, but some of the references and modes feel dated. This is not a burden, but a virtue to those old souls who cling to music that sounds old to feel a sense of familiarity into an otherwise cold and complex modern world. It also renders the music as niche. Deprecated language and dated references are what some seek out in their audio enjoyment. But singing about murdering your girlfriend and hopping trains will only get you so far. Then again, some are perfectly content not venturing afield from what feels familiar.
Colter Wall’s voice is an incredible asset, but with that also comes a responsibility. Can Colter Wall, like Woody before him, write and sing the songs that do much more than entertain those in their time, and go on to be the building blocks in the foundation of creative expression for a generation beyond its own? That doesn’t seem entirely possible for even the top songwriters of our present time. But they aren’t blessed with the pipes that Colter Wall was. Neither was Woody.
Dave Cobb was an obvious pick to handle producer duties for this debut, self-titled release to follow a highly-acclaimed, yet hidden EP from Colter Wall, Imaginary Appalachia. But was he the best pick? What is the Colter Wall sound? As much praise has been lumped on Dave Cobb, at times his output has been hit and miss if we’re being honest. Sometimes his fast, cut-it-live approach doesn’t work for every artist, especially younger ones who may need a more extended demo and workshop process to find the best material and develop it properly. With Colter’s approach, perhaps a George Reiff, or Ray Wylie Hubbard would know how better to interpret Colter Wall songs to the rest of the world. This is music that could be flattered by old cow bones clanging together, and the 60 cycle hum of amps on the verge if going on the fritz—a more dirty, gritty approach, with more space and wetness in the signals to enhance the vibe and imbibe the imagination.
But Dave Cobb did the best he could within his Dave Cobb parameters, which was basically to do little to nothing, and let Colter and his guitar stand alone for a sizable amount of the duration. There really is no Dave Cobb on this release, which was probably his best move.
The magic Colter Wall evokes is immediate, at least for those who are looking for that particular flavor of magic. But let’s not allow that to blind us from the fact that this self-titled album feels like a side step from the EP, or that something like this will struggle to reach the broad audience Colter Wall’s incredible natural attributes deserve. Colter has our attention. Now, what is he going to do with it that is more than mere entertainment interpretive of older styles? That may be an unfair question to ask of most 21-year-old performers. But with Colter Wall, with that voice, with the wisdom that is hard not to recognize behind his eyes, it’s an imperative one.
1 3/4 Guns Up (8/10)
– – – – – – – – – – – –
AC_86
May 13, 2017 @ 8:40 am
Can’t stop listening to this! My record of the year so far. The kid has so much potential.
MN
May 13, 2017 @ 8:58 am
love the album and the Tyler Childers cameo… someone please tell me they have news on an upcoming album from that guy
Trigger
May 13, 2017 @ 9:07 am
Expect big news on the Tyler Childers front in the coming months….
StainedOne
May 15, 2017 @ 3:29 am
Fraulein and Bald Butte are my favorites of the album. I loved the Tyler Childers cameo. It was such a surprise. Bald Butte reminds me of El Paso by Marty Robbins.
ShadeGrown
May 13, 2017 @ 9:16 am
Awesome. For my money you have Colter Wall, Joseph Huber, and Scott H. Biram in the top 3 slots for album of the year.
Wesley Gray
May 13, 2017 @ 9:52 pm
Hell yeah! funny you say this because the first album i have put on since relentlessly playing Colter’s debut is Biram’s “Bad Testament” which i played while running errands after work this evening. i’m home drinking beer and listening to Tammy, now. hahaaa! so many good albums have come out this year, already. this has been a good year for our music, so far. ?
Kevin Davis
May 13, 2017 @ 11:10 am
I love the album, but I was hoping for a bit more instrumentation. When I saw him open for Cody Jinks, he had a small band with him, including a young woman on the fiddle. She helped to fill-out many of the songs. I enjoy the stripped approach as well, but a full LP needs some more variety, more flourishes. Perhaps, as you say, this has much to do with Cobb’s minimalism as a producer.
Trigger
May 13, 2017 @ 11:52 am
I think Dave Cobb did an excellent job with this album, while I also think the production leaves some to be desired. I say that because with what Cobb had to work with and the parameters he produces in, he did exactly what he should have done, which was get out of Colter’s way. I just don’t think Cobb should have been the producer in the first place. I think it was just an easy pick. Colter needs to work with someone who can help him develop a sound, and maybe even help him modernize his songwriting. He needs to work with someone who understands textures and percussion elements on a deep level.
He’s only 21 and there is plenty of time for all of that. I just hope he doesn’t get comfortable and become an element of “scene” where his music stagnates like we see so often. If with his next record Colter can take that step forward in production like John Moreland did with his last album, then Colter could be so much more than someone who is only going to appeal to throwback types.
Kevin Davis
May 13, 2017 @ 12:04 pm
Great points, Trigger.
ShadeGrown
May 13, 2017 @ 12:20 pm
I hope he doesn’t go for the John Moreland production cause I hate it.
albert
May 13, 2017 @ 5:42 pm
”Colter needs to work with someone who can help him develop a sound, and maybe even help him modernize his songwriting. He needs to work with someone who understands textures and percussion elements on a deep level”
this.
Sandy
June 10, 2017 @ 6:01 am
That fiddler is my daughter Anna Blanton. What one must understand Colter has been playing solo until his band Speedy Creek joined him. It took him awhile to get used to playing with a band. It has been morphing into great live shows. I haven’t heard of anyone whose attended any of his live shows come away disappointed.
Kevin Davis
June 10, 2017 @ 11:55 am
Your daughter did a fine job, and I am sure that nobody at our show was disappointed with Colter’s set.
Wesley Gray
May 13, 2017 @ 11:45 am
Me and my wife got to hang with him for a few minutes after a show with Margo Price in OKC last month. such a kind and genuine soul he is. and may i also mention, very humble. that struck me as very sophisticated due to his young age and level of talent. This record is absolutely breathtaking. i have probably listened to it five or seven times in the day and a half that it has been out. Really enjoyed your review as always, Trigger!
Paul Roberts
May 13, 2017 @ 1:11 pm
Great review Trigger – I love Colter’s new record. It’s so very different from the other artists that give me hope for Country right now like Stapleton and Sturgill. Folk, Country or whatever Colter’s music is – it gives me the same hope. Really like Bald Butte – it is like a 5 minute epic movie!
Jim Bob
May 13, 2017 @ 2:25 pm
Could just be my old shit phone, but the video and audio looked very outta sync the whole time. Like they badly tried to make a live video fit the studio audio. Or could just be my shit phone. In either case, I love the song itself and that’s what’s actually important.
BrandonWard
May 13, 2017 @ 2:49 pm
Got the album in the mail yesterday and havent stopped listening since. There’s definitely a throwback sound and feel to the whole album. In fact, the only thing missing are the cracks and hisses I remember from listening to old 8-track tapes.
DJ
May 13, 2017 @ 4:47 pm
That song reminds me of the movie Ned Kelly
Pag G
May 13, 2017 @ 5:39 pm
Really kind of a bullshit review. 21 year old kid delivering the goods with songs he has written, and you are talking nonsense about how he needs to develop into what the hell ever you have in your head. Truly a bullshit review. A 21 year old kid delivered this. Forget it man. You should have sat this one out.
Scotty J
May 13, 2017 @ 6:33 pm
He gave it 8/10. Very rare that he gives any album higher than that.
Pat G
May 13, 2017 @ 9:42 pm
No issues with any number. Put whatever number you want on it. I just think we have zero idea what this kid is gonna be. The effort was insanely strong for a kid. Just thought the review was a bunch of garbage.
Bill Goodman
May 14, 2017 @ 12:49 pm
John Moreland’s new one got a 10/10
Trigger
May 14, 2017 @ 4:01 pm
John Moreland got Two Guns Up, but I didn’t assign it a number, which I sometimes do when I don’t want to be hemmed into side by side comparisons. Roughly translated, a Two Guns Up review would be in the 9/10 range, while a Two Guns Way Up would be in the 10/10 range. But again, I purposely keep things nebulous so people don’t take the ratings too seriously. It’s just a recommendation tool.
Big Cat
May 14, 2017 @ 6:55 am
Oh cry me a river. How about something more along the lines of “thanks Kyle for helping put this young kid on the map with an extremely complimentary review….”.
With everyone that reads this blog now, most artist would cut off their left, well….. left pinky, to just get a review from Kyle much less an 8/10 for a debute album. Take your troll somewhere else.
Pat G
May 14, 2017 @ 6:59 am
Neah. Not a troll. Just too many beers last night.
Save Austin Country
May 14, 2017 @ 7:07 am
Well even a few Texas country artists agree with you. It was the topic of TX country music twitter talk last night.
A.K.A. City
May 15, 2017 @ 12:17 pm
Trigger has stated previously that he really works to give constructive criticism for albums that he rates highly. He gave an 8/10, which is a great score. If anything, if Colter took some of the feedback from the review, it may make his next album a 10/10. I saw him live a few weeks ago and was blown away with his voice. I do agree with the review that he needs the right handling just so he doesn’t fall into a lumped throwback category, though. He has a lot to offer.
JohnWayneTwitty
May 13, 2017 @ 6:55 pm
I saw him in concert with Ward DAvis and Cody Jinks (and a little Whitey Morgan). I was sold. He sounds like a raspy, deeper voiced Joaquin Phoenix singing long lost classics
Cameron
May 14, 2017 @ 1:14 am
Love the album and love everything he puts out
Kent
May 14, 2017 @ 4:40 am
I’ve just been listening to “The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie” And I came to think one of Waylon’s songs:
“J. J. Cale’s my hero, best I ever heard
But you gotta sing a little louder, hoss, ’cause I can’t hear the words
Some folks call it rock and rol, others call it blues
But I detect a country soul, when I seen his cowboy shoes
And it’s alright
It’s alright
It may not be right, but it’s alright ”
And I hear blues when listening to this guy and he’s doing damn well.
But he is also wearing hat and cowboys shoes….so I guess you can call
it country too… 🙂
Big Cat
May 14, 2017 @ 7:02 am
Great review. Still blows me away when he opens his mouth. You think “here comes Allen Jackson” then your like “what the fuck!!”. Blows me away.
Looking forward to albums with band and touch of production. Doesn’t mean it has to be overdone but I think it will benefit him. Agree on Cobb. I love Dave but he has also benefited from some amazing artist. He’s brilliant but not a magic bullet for every artist especially raw talent that might need bit more touch.
Congrats Colter this is simply great stuff.
Jeremy
May 14, 2017 @ 7:26 am
The guys voice is unbelievable. Watched some videos last night after listening to the album, and still can’t believe that voice comes from that guy. It just doesn’t appear to match up. Some of the writing, like “Kate McCannon” reminds me of an old Townes Van Zandt song. Just awesome.
Doug
July 7, 2017 @ 8:48 am
The cover photo on his album, like his voice, makes him look a lot older and more beaten up than 21.
John Clay
May 14, 2017 @ 7:39 am
Lotta $7000 words in this review that didn’t say much of anything.
Trigger
May 14, 2017 @ 4:09 pm
Sorry, I assume and intelligent audience. In a world of soundbyte news, I purposely take the time to approach subjects with an in-depth and thoughtful style. That said, I always want articles to be accessible to readers, and I apologize if this one isn’t. I openly struggled on how to articulate the power of Colter’s voice in words, and for me, that required leaning on heavier language.
hoptowntiger94
May 14, 2017 @ 8:06 am
I can’t believe he’s 21. He has lots of time to grow into his sound (like you pointed out).
Coming off the Moreland album, I could have used a little more dressing – production. It’s an album that’s going to require more attention from me, but I’m loving it so far.
Very fair review.
ShadeGrown
May 14, 2017 @ 9:24 am
I am sure that some day his sound will change but I don’t fucking get why anyone thinks it should’ve already. This album is near perfection.
John Clay
May 14, 2017 @ 9:32 am
Me either, bud. Me either.
People just really need their own opinions for other people’s art to be heard. Becsuse they know best….about other people’s art….about production….about “songwriting”.
Colter doesn’t need to “modernize his lyrics” or find someone who “understands textures and percussive elements on a deep level”. The kid went in with a world class producer, told him what he wanted, and made the record he wanted to make. That is literally the end of the equation. Nothing else matters.
It’s a modern masterpiece.
Trigger
May 14, 2017 @ 4:32 pm
I can understand how a random Colter Wall fan who might just happen upon this article would be surprised at the level of criticism this album received, but it’s shocking to me to see regular readers think this is in any way a majority critical review, or even close to unfair.
The point of artistic criticism is not to inflict damage on the art or the artist. Criticism is a vital part of the creative process that has been well-respected and valued throughout creative media since the very beginning of commercial art. The fact that criticism today is seen as attacks, bullying, slander, or something similar, is irresponsible, and scary. I worry that years from now, critics will be ostracized from society, or criticism may be rendered illegal from the sheer extinction of it that has occurred from the implosion of traditional print media. And you can directly track the death of professional criticism to the rise of crappy art.
Criticism is a sign of respect to an artist. The reason I found things to be critical about Colter Wall’s album is not because I want to put him down. It’s because I want him to succeed. I’m not doing this in spite of Colter wall being 21-years-old, I’m doing it BECAUSE Colter Wall is 21-years-old.
Do you think Sturgill Simpson got to the top because he was coddled by the media. You think this is a critical review? Go read my review for “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.”
When I posted my first review of Colter Wall, I personally received death threats from people who told me to never mention Colter Wall again. Luckily, I haven’t seen similar comments or emails, yet. Colter Wall and Shooter Jennings are the only two artists I have ever covered where I’ve seen these threats. Not Florida Georgia Line fans, not Sam Hunts fans, not Luke Bryan fans.
I’ve always said that I believe everybody has right to musical opinions. That is why I emphasize this comments section, and why so many people come here to share their own thoughts, and read the thoughts of others. You will never find me saying my opinion is the only one that matters, or that it’s better than anyone else’s. I do give my opinion for a living, and thousands of people see value in reading it, which probably counts for something. But ultimately, my opinions are my own. And I stand behind them.
If Colter Wall is going to get where his God-given talents could take him, it’s going to take more than Instagram posts from professional wrestlers. Shit all over my opinions all you want, or misconstrue them on social media. But having seen many artists succeed, and many artists fail over the 10 years of running this site, I shared my professional opinions in attempt to guide Colter Wall or any artist to the top. Sometimes my opinions turn out to be wrong. Sometimes they’ve been right. But they’re always shred with a respect for anyone who shares their art, and with a desire to see it succeed to its utmost potential.
John Clay
May 14, 2017 @ 10:49 pm
“When I posted my first review of Colter Wall, I personally received death threats from people who told me to never mention Colter Wall again. Luckily, I haven’t seen similar comments or emails, yet. Colter Wall and Shooter Jennings are the only two artists I have ever covered where I’ve seen these threats. Not Florida Georgia Line fans, not Sam Hunts fans, not Luke Bryan fans.”
^^^ having the gumption to say these words, like you don’t know why you received those emails…as it if it was just some causal shit that happened…..disgusting. You sir, are a grade A, level 10, piece of human shit.
I don’t give a fuck about the review. What is says or doesn’t say.
Just know, that when we cross paths, and it’s coming, you better be ready to put your fuckin’ hands up like a man.
Sperry
May 15, 2017 @ 12:34 am
Lol.. You’re going to shoot the guy who runs this site? Fuck off man. What you work for colter’s big shot politician daddy? The 14th Premier of Saskatchewan? Y’all are such outlaws I can hardly stand it
Kent
May 15, 2017 @ 4:18 am
“Just know, that when we cross paths, and it’s coming, you better be ready to put your fuckin’ hands up like a man.” ?????
You’re obviously a fan of him. But do you think it’s mutual, do you actually beleave he want some cave man like YOU as a fan?. He might just as well sing for a group of orangutans at the nearest zoo…
Jack Williams
May 15, 2017 @ 5:55 am
having the gumption to say these words, like you don’t know why you received those emails…as it if it was just some causal shit that happened…..disgusting.
So I guess you have first hand knowledge of these threats? Maybe you can elaborate as to what Trigger has done to Colter Wall specifically that might cause him to get death threats just for covering him.
Big Cat
May 15, 2017 @ 7:27 am
I feel like I am hitting paper acid in 1990 again. Is this a fucking joke?
ShadeGrown
May 15, 2017 @ 5:59 am
I know about Colter Wall because of this site, Trigger. I went and bought the album the second I finished reading your review on Saturday morning. I then literally listened to the album on repeat til I went to bed 12 hrs later. So I am grateful to you and I completely respect your reviews and I know you can’t just coddle every release. I just don’t find how an album that flows as well as this one and that has so many lonely songs on it could be improved upon. The vibe of his voice and lyrics matchup perfectly for me with the minimal – yet fantastic – instrumentation.
Jack Williams
May 15, 2017 @ 6:40 am
Just wanted to add a little more along the same lines. I thought this review was overall very positive and it got my atention. I streamed the album on Amazon Prime. Before that, all I knew about Wall was Kate McCannon, which I thought was a good murder ballad, but I’m a bluegrass fan and Nick Cave fan for starters, so I’ve heard lots of murder ballads. A this point, I’m sold on the album and will buy a copy of the CD. It made me think a little of Brice Springteen’s Nebraska album. And his voice just knocks me out. As far as Trigger’s criticisms of the album go (and I think they were meant to be constructive), I haven’t listened enough to the album to take issue with them. I will say that there have been times when specific criticisms of his on other reviews have not resonated with me personally (e.g., I love Lydia Loveless’ Indestructible Machine, which got a lukewarm positive review here) And that’s fine.
Wesley Gray
May 15, 2017 @ 11:57 am
John Clay is a MEMBER of Colter’s band, you guys. now i don’t know if it was really John Clay who said this or not…just stating a fact.
Big Cat
May 14, 2017 @ 4:40 pm
If there is no criticism then there is no review. One mans opinion is no more righteous than the others. We gotta be thankful for folks who are willing to spend their valueable time reviewing music and giving their honest opinions.
And this album is not “perfection”. Even if you want to compare him to Prine, Dylan or Cash, none of those guys were either.
If I was in his circle I’d be appreciative of all the new spins generated off a high volume blog site review (not to mention a very high review).
Tony Gunter
May 15, 2017 @ 3:59 am
Death threats over a review? Name calling? What ever happened to changing the channel? You got a real problem
Big Cat
May 15, 2017 @ 7:27 am
Think you meant that for above but no kidding…..
Jay Martinsen
May 14, 2017 @ 10:16 am
I wish I could be more than who I am, I’m glad everyone has a master plan for me or else I would for sure fail.
Wesley Gray
May 15, 2017 @ 11:54 am
John Clay is a MEMBER of Colter’s band, you guys…
Bill Goodman
May 14, 2017 @ 12:50 pm
I loved the album. It’s a great one. One of 2017’s best.
Bertox
May 14, 2017 @ 5:34 pm
This kid has an unbelievable talent. I totally agree with the Townes Van Zandt comparisons. I can see him writing some epic, transcendent songs in the future.
TheRealBobCephus
May 14, 2017 @ 7:29 pm
Colter Wall covered a TVZ song on his album (Fraulein)
DerekJoists
May 14, 2017 @ 10:59 pm
“Fraulein” was a cover, originally done by Bobby Helms – but Colter did cover Townes’s “Snake Mountain Blues” on the album, and “Nothin'” on his EP.
TheRealBobCephus
May 14, 2017 @ 7:26 pm
In the opposite vein of not lumping future expectations on him, a concept story-telling album from him would be awesome. Or similarly if he was put in charge of the soundtrack for an entire movie, maybe a gritty western, that would likewise be fantastic.
Nick
May 23, 2017 @ 9:13 pm
Go listen to Ben Nichols ‘The Last Pale Light In The West’ EP if you’ve never heard it. Ben is the singer for Lucero. This solo EP is just that; a western put to music (story line and characters based on a novel). I don’t condone rip offs but this is a relatively unknown piece of music that could really inspire more great art if it inspired the right people.
Sperry
May 14, 2017 @ 10:36 pm
Dig the voice but otherwise sounds a bit too much like someone who has overly fetishized Townes and related self destructive bastards. Talking about trains and ‘ramblin’ and codeine. Clearly is obsessed with tvz given his inclusion of nothing, snake mtn, fräulein on the EP and LP. Look forward to when he moves beyond that. Just would like more young folk musicians to find a way to sing about contemporary life rather than some dust bowl or outlaw fantasy land. But at 21 yea I’m excited to see what he puts out once he comes into his own a bit more
Julio Corona
May 15, 2017 @ 3:32 am
Am I a bit off base when I listen to “Me and Big Dave” and think he’s talking about Cobb, and even throws a Sturgill reference with the line “and a Kentucky poet”?
Scott
May 15, 2017 @ 9:09 pm
When I saw him play he told the story… can’t remember exactly, but I remeber it being about a friend of his from Kentucky.
About all the people saying they would appreciate more instrumentation…. I couldn’t agree LESS. He mostly plays alone, and to me he sounds great. Also, why the f would we want a producer to give him more musical direction? Fine line between that and the phony shit most of us hate.
Nick
May 23, 2017 @ 9:16 pm
Almost definitely about Dave Cobb. And I wasn’t sure who the Kentucky poet was, but Sturgill was one of my guesses
JP
November 20, 2017 @ 11:26 pm
Perhaps Tyler Childers is the Kentucky poet, given he appears on the song Fraulein.
Tony Gunter
May 15, 2017 @ 4:03 am
Colter is a true student of music and he’s taught me a few things. Seen him five times now and hung out with him afterward nearly every time. I am very excited for him to get the success he deserves
Stringbuzz
May 15, 2017 @ 6:54 am
Great album. Undeniable talent. There really is something special there.
Songwriting is solid.
I do agree with some comments though and it more has to do with what ifs.
What if there was a bit more instrumentation, a bigger more powerful sound behind some of these songs.
We can ask these questions without it taking anything away from the album..
Nick
May 23, 2017 @ 9:23 pm
Nothing wrong with constructive criticism. I’d say it’s easy for someone to take Triggers reviews and pass them off as an internet warrior on his high horse. I’ve been reading his reviews for easily the past 8-9 years and I have a decent idea of what he’s about. He loves country music and wants it to be as good as it can be. He’s invested a lot of time and effort into this site and I thank him for it.
However, I always cringe when I hear an artist as good as Colter Wall followed with anything but “great job!” And “keep it up!” I’ve been around long enough to see good artists turn to garbage. Either through greed or through creative blocks or one too many bad ideas. Hell, I’m not one bit ashamed to say that I only listened to A Sailors Guide To Earth a few times when it released and haven’t bothered with it since. I appreciate the creative effort on Sturgill’s part and at the end of the day it’s his music and his art should be in his terms. I didn’t care for it too much. I’ve just been in awe with Colter’s voice and his lyrical abilities and I don’t want it to go away or become “tainted” somehow by over production or a horn section or attempts to become more mainstream.
Tony Gunter
May 15, 2017 @ 7:36 am
Yes I must have clicked the wrong reply. Hopefully some people sober up and realize they made an ass of themselves and chill.
Benny Lee
May 15, 2017 @ 8:26 am
Added to my “Must See Music List”.
I think the review is spot-on. Trigger acknowledges the ridiculous talent in this young man, and provides advice for how to make it even better. Nothing wrong with that.
Jeff Dyck
May 15, 2017 @ 1:22 pm
I haven’t heard “Trigger’s” last album, but I’m not sure he’s in the spot to give any advice.
Travis
May 15, 2017 @ 4:27 pm
I’ve heard some records he’s been involved with and read this site for years and would advise anybody to at least consider his advice. It might not be the route someone wants to go with their career but he’s giving advice that will help someone be more successful. I could argue that doesn’t make the music better (success) but it’s advice to consider. As other’s noted, I purchased this album due to exposure on this site so Colter and his cronies should be happy, not insanely agitated, about this review. Thanks to Colter and anyone else associated with this album for making some great music!
Jeff Dyck
May 15, 2017 @ 1:20 pm
“Saving Country Music?” More like lazy journalism! There is no way this dude listened to the same album I did.
Pat G
May 15, 2017 @ 1:45 pm
Dang. I felt kinda bad about the gentle criticism I gave Trigger on his review. Didn’t realize the cavalry was coming behind me. I sorta thought he got inside his own head a little but it was clear he liked the album. That’s good enough in reality. This site has been a great service for music fans for a few years. Maybe there are more out there, but this is usually a go-to.
Bertox
May 15, 2017 @ 5:26 pm
I’m not trying to harass you or anything, but calling his review “bullshit” and “total garbage” isn’t exactly what I’d call gentle criticism. But that’s just me
Jeff Dyck
May 15, 2017 @ 5:49 pm
Just seemed like a lot of backhanded compliments, I just thought it was a strange review.
Pat G
May 15, 2017 @ 5:51 pm
Yeah, I set that one up and you knocked it down nicely. True, I was an asshole. Boy I guess i really didn’t like that review.
Stringbuzz
May 16, 2017 @ 10:38 am
Gonna buy me a Motorcycle!
Vin
May 16, 2017 @ 2:03 pm
I know everyone has their preferences but this is as good as an album as ive heard in a while.
Taylor
May 17, 2017 @ 4:38 pm
Great album!! Anxious to order it later tonight!! Transcendent Ramblin’ Railroad Blues is one of the best songs I have heard!! I agree with the Woody Guthrie and Townes Van Zandt comparisons.
Nick
May 23, 2017 @ 9:59 pm
I loved the EP so much I was almost worried that the new album wouldn’t live up to my expectations. Just like Imanginary Appalachia, I’ve been listening to this album incessantly since it’s release. For Trigger or anyone else who may be worried, I’d advise listening to the EP again. I think Colter’s progression and maturity is quite apparent when comparing the two albums. Whether or not he should utilize a full band or modernize his lyrics is completely up to him, and that’s why I love independent music so much. No pressure from the suits to make an album that appeals to the masses.
I for one don’t give a damn if the cool kids ever hear Colter Wall. If it takes up tempo songs about drinking on the beach to perk the ears of the Top 40 crowd, I’d say there’s plenty of that to keep them satisfied. It’s clear who Colter Wall’s influences are, and Woody never needed grand scale appeal to make music.
I have no problem with Trigger giving advice or constructive criticism. I was a little shocked to read this review, even though I do realize it’s generally positive in nature. I just hear a masterpiece in this album and for me to criticize or question this work would be the same as urging Van Gogh not to use so much yellow next time.
JP
November 20, 2017 @ 11:36 pm
I’m a bit late to the party here lol. I enjoyed this album, though maybe not as much as some. The writing was good, and Colter has a buttery delicious tone.
That said, there was something that kept annoying me. It was Colter’s phrasing choices. He almost never finished a line. He lazily clipped nearly every last syllable. Finish your lines strong, man! There are times to do that & it can have a real lyrical impact. But every line? It is frustrating & sounds lazy.
I get that Colter is young & refining his sound, but brother, that is not a good habit. Put that big ass voice to work! Give it room to breathe & it will start to soar!!!
Matt Fraidin
January 3, 2018 @ 7:40 am
This is the album that will last generations.
Matt Fraidin
January 3, 2018 @ 7:42 am
I should add that the weird radio thing is annoying — frustrating, in fact, in that it interrupts an otherwise transcendent, magical experience.
Ulysses McCaskill
May 15, 2018 @ 9:53 pm
There’s a story behind that and a major reason as to why that was included on the album. You should check out WB Walker’s radio show/podcast. Episode 200 explains it quite well.
Matt Fraidin
May 16, 2018 @ 8:29 am
Will do. Thanks.