Album Review – “Rockingham” by American Aquarium’s BJ Barham
Sometimes it doesn’t matter what a song or album leaves you with as long as it leaves you with something. It makes an impression on your heart or your mind in a manner that compels you to recalibrate your perspective by conveying a viewpoint that you otherwise may not be aware of or receptive to, or by evoking some emotion you haven’t felt in a while. Sometimes what you get out of music might not be the realization or emotion that the artist intended to communicate. Sometimes it is something completely different. A sign of good songwriting is when the same song means different things to different people.
Rockingham—the first solo album from American Aquarium’s frontman and songwriter B.J. Barham—was an album that made me come to a pretty keen realization, yet it probably was not the one Barnham set out to impart. Some have been talking about how the new Cody Jinks record I’m Not The Devil is almost a little too weighty. Well if that’s the case, you may not have the emotional fortitude to make it through even half of Rockingham. It’s hard to name another album that works in such dour emotions, or envision one being released in the near future. This album makes John Moreland sound like Sonny and Cher.
Rockingham is a travelogue though certain Southern towns in various states of disrepair and dejection in the aftermath of the implosion of the agrarian and industrial American economy. No punches are pulled, and names are named in regards to the particular towns Barham chooses to highlight, or more accurately, bemoan at the state of affairs that have transpired there. Broken people and broken homes are sung about with cutting, merciless honesty, with the worst details not just uncensored, but emphasized. Rockingham is an ode to desperate people out of money, out of work, and out of options, eaten up with the wanton emotions of not being able to provide for themselves and their families, while the illusion of small-town simplicity is shattered by the gavel of broken dreams.
They say that people fear running out of money even more than the fear of death. This album encapsulates that axiom with anecdotal accounts of the downtrodden one after another. There were fears back in the 90’s of heavy metal bands stimulating teenagers to commit suicide. Well if you’re pondering harakiri, perhaps you should pass on this one, especially the final heartbreaking song “Water in the Well” which is articulated with a gun pointed at the head. There are some slightly bright spots, or perhaps less depressing spots, like the song “Madeline” that finds a father articulating wisdom to a daughter. But even then it’s about the ever-present ills waiting to greet you in life.
This type of stark, pulsating depression is a great way to suck in listeners who like to be thrust into dark moods to feel alive. Musical masochism if you will, with a side of commiseration. The question is valid though if Rockingham is a little bit too brutal to the point where the pain for pleasure just turns into just downright pain. Either way, one particular song “O’ Lover” is worth consideration right beside all those American Aquarium songs as one of the best, taking notes from the great storytelling songwriters of Texas like early Robert Earl Keen and applying it to the theme of Barham’s effort. B.J. has never been a great singer, but he knows how to write songs where that doesn’t really matter.
“You can’t call yourself a farmer just because you plant a seed
You must bargain with the dirt, your hands must blister they must bleed
Only then will you find beauty not in the bloom, but in the weeds
O’ lover love is not the only thing from you I need.”
One of the most important points that Rockingham makes is that these destitute souls have no alternatives because their home is the only home they know. That’s the hardest part to drive home to folks that hear about depressed communities and wonder why folks don’t just move where there is more opportunity. For some, they’ve never left the county, or they’re trying to hold on to a family farm that’s been in their last name for hundreds of years. This great gulf between those that move and those who stay is an often overlooked, but a critically important demarcation with the critically destitute pushed to one side.
Rockingham feels like a side project in the sense that for the most part, the songs are pretty stripped down and the production is simple. It’s not an acoustic album except for a couple of songs, but with the short track list and sedated nature, you get the sense that Barham didn’t want to make too much racket with this record and ultimately distract from American Aquarium. It’s not a solo project amidst the dissolving of a band, but a side project while the band is still at full strength, and it makes sense for Barhman who continues to not only be outspoken when it comes to little issues that may arise in the music scene, whether it be in the songwriting circles he runs in, or the honorary membership he carries with Texas country, but is also continuing to gain wide respect as a songwriter. This album, if nothing else, helps cement Barham’s name beyond American Aquarium.
But what I took from Rockingham was not just an anger at the political and economic injustices that have brought so many of these rural Southern communities to the breaking point, or severe empathy for the people who suffer their lives away in these certain towns. Rockingham, by being so stark and unrelenting had almost the opposite effect on me, where it made me grateful for the meager opportunities that I’ve had, and the sense of stability we all strive for. It made me realize that so much of happiness is simply making up your mind. Parallel to the people portrayed in Rockingham are people who are still happy, even though they have too little of everything they need. They figure it out. They scrape by, and they don’t complain or blame others for their problems.
There’s a Rockingham in all of us, just as there’s a place of happiness. Part of it has to do with where you’re born and your upbringing, but part of it has to do with how much you decide to control your own destiny and mindset. There is no doubt to the authenticity of the people, places, and stories of Rockingham. All you have to do is drive across the country, and you will see what’s happening to the forgotten communities of America. But for me, this record was like a mirror reflecting back judgement for every time first world problems frazzle your nerves while so many other folks struggle not just with their circumstances, but their perspective on them. So many move through life day to day, week to week, and simply hope parish on this mortal coil from natural causes, as opposed to the effort of their own hands. Because that’s the deck that life has dealt them, or so they believe.
(7.5/10)
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Warthog
August 24, 2016 @ 6:35 pm
Been a fan of American Aquarium for a while now, and this album encapsulates exactly what I love about them: brutal honesty and amazing songwriting. This, along with BJ’s distinctive drawl, are what keep me hungry for music from American Aquarium. “Rockingham” does good to soothe that hunger. For now.
Also, Trigger (I hate to be “that guy” but I gotta ask) do you have any plans to review Kiefer Sutherland’s “Down in a Hole” album? Been listening to it for awhile and I really dig it.
Trigger
August 24, 2016 @ 6:43 pm
Kiefer is on the list. We’ll see.
Parth Venkat
August 24, 2016 @ 6:38 pm
As a total BJ / AA Homer I’m a bit bummed he didn’t score another point but as usual, YOUR writing is every bit as good as BJ’s song writing. Really cool review that I think treats the album fairly and helps put it in perspective. Personally I love it (Madeline, Unfortunate kind, and O’lover might be my favorite in a row album triplet in years) but it is REALLY short (especially with 2 songs being previously recorded AA covers) and the cuts of ATC and Reidsville just aren’t great. Thanks for the post!
AV
August 24, 2016 @ 8:36 pm
I knew road to nowhere, reidsville and water in the well were all AA covers. Is american tobacco company one too? Kind of sucks that there are just a few “new” songs on here. What’s there is great though
Parth Venkat
August 24, 2016 @ 8:38 pm
no it’s not a cover. I just heard him do it live 2 or 3 times and just think they happier it up too much. Doesn’t fit the album if you ask me. Classic case of anchoring (what i was expecting wasn’t what it was).
Jeremy A
August 24, 2016 @ 6:56 pm
I really loved this record. I guess I’m one of those that get a kick out of these downtrodden small town stories though. American Tobacco Company is probably my favorite though, with Madeline a close second. BJ’s songwriting is just so damn relatable. Even with the depression that comes with a song like American Tobacco Company, the failure of the “American Dream”, and the want for more, I find a silver lining. The last few lines speak of the life the man wants for his children, he realizes he has a purpose, and that the work he does,while unsatisfying for him, serves the greater good. Hopefully giving his kids a better opportunity.
Sorry to over analyze here, I just really love this album, I think there are little rays of light shining through the darkness. I’ve always seen a beauty in the writing of guys like BJ and Moreland, so maybe I’m not very objective. I think this is a year end contender.
Unanimous
September 28, 2016 @ 4:47 pm
A little bit of an exaggeration that American Tobacco Company was a bad place to work. Just stand there and watch machines roll out cigs all day to the tune of $25 or more per hour. Not a bad gig if you can get it. A lot of the wealthy folks in Reidsville worked there.
Mule
August 24, 2016 @ 7:16 pm
BJ is great, as is AA, and I’ve been looking forward to this release all summer. See him around in Raleigh when he makes it back. He did the CD release party at the Lincoln here this past weekend.
That being said, I urge all who dig this to give a listen to one of BJ’s (and my) inspiration, Chip Robinson of the Backsliders. The Backsliders were unfairly lumped in with the alt.country Uncle Tupelo crowd back in the mid-90s, but they were more “hard-core Honky-Tonk” than down-tuned shoegazers and they put on legendary shows. (AA covers the Backsliders’ “Abe Lincoln” on their Burn.Flicker.Die. album Jason Isbell produced.)
Chip is their lead singer/guitarist and chief songwriter. He has a solo album that came out about 8 years ago called Mylow that’s worth hunting down as I believe it’s one of the best albums released this century so far, as well as the Backsliders’ two full-length albums released in the mid-90s (Throwing Rocks at the Moon was produced by former Dwight Yoakam guitar-whiz Pete Anderson) and their live EP.
Anyway, just a little musical suggestion for AA fans.
You’re welcome!
Michael Cosner
August 24, 2016 @ 7:44 pm
Mule, you going to the Clayton Shindig in October to see AA?
Mule
August 25, 2016 @ 8:39 am
Going to see John Hiatt in Clayton on October 14th. Work gets in the way of the Shindig however.
Who knew Clayton would suddenly have so much going on??
Michael Cosner
August 25, 2016 @ 8:45 am
Well, shoot. Was going to invite you to my set, but the actual schedule is not set yet. Clayton sounds like the place to be!
Mule
August 25, 2016 @ 8:48 am
Hate I’m gonna miss it though and I appreciate the invite! I’ll keep an ear out for next time!
WRS
August 25, 2016 @ 4:52 pm
Where in Clayton is all this happening? I’m about 2 hours away
RD
August 25, 2016 @ 4:18 am
I always thought the singer from Backsliders sounded like Robert Earl Keen.
Mule
August 25, 2016 @ 8:40 am
I can hear some similarities in timbre for sure. Chip sounds a bit more weathered, IMO.
Johnnyboy Gomez
August 27, 2016 @ 7:46 pm
Getting off topic here too but I too feel that Backsliders never got their due. Throwing Rocks at the Moon is one of my favourite songs, period.
I saw AA in Montreal last winter opening for Corb Lund. I was vaguely aware of them before
but became a huge fan that night.
mike2
August 25, 2016 @ 5:50 am
Would you say this album is as emotionally weighty as southeastern, or would that be like comparing apples and oranges?
Trigger
August 25, 2016 @ 9:22 am
I would say it has even more weight than Southeastern, just because Southeastern allowed you to come up for air upon occasion. That’s not a comment on quality of course. Just the weight.
Rockies
August 25, 2016 @ 11:59 am
Southeastern was emotional but as Trig said it lets you come up for air. It is also a bit different musically.
Rockingham hits you in the gut and then it keeps hitting you there. And its stripped down music makes the tone and feeling dark.
I can put Southeastern on repeat and be fine. I can only listen to Rockingham once then I need a break. Hopefully that makes sense.
Worm
August 25, 2016 @ 6:41 am
Saw AA guys open for Corey smith years ago. All I remember was the singer saying the F word a thousand times. Some people thought it was funny. I’m sure he thinks it’s cute. I thought it was tasteless and cheap. He didn’t have the confidence that his music could win the crowd over, so he resorted to using foul language as humor and a cover up for his insecurities. Bad part is the music was good, he didn’t have to resort to gimmicks. There were ladies in the audience. His expletives were not impressive. Hopefully he has grown up since then.
Flying J
August 25, 2016 @ 9:01 am
I’ve actually seen them three times (once headlining and twice opening) and was disappointed in how crass he was.
I’m not a fan of them as I don’t care for his voice and was never fond of his songwriting, but I still might give this solo album a spin as the material sounds interesting.
Trigger
August 25, 2016 @ 9:26 am
I can respect if folks don’t want to see a performer cussing like a sailor on stage, but I will say this: I think that BJ Barham has gone through a lot of changes in the last couple of years, including getting sober, and some of the music on this record reflects this. I haven’t seen him live in a year or so, but if you saw him a few years ago, it may be a different experience now.
This Guy
August 25, 2016 @ 8:23 pm
He still curses some, but nothing like some of the older videos I’ve seen on YouTube. I mean, it didn’t bother me but I could see where it might not be for everyone. When I saw AA in the spring, he struck a good balance of humor and maturity, I thought. He was pretty open about his newfound sobriety and I think would be the first to admit his past shortcomings and mistakes. Real friendly at the merch table after the show, too. Hard to know anything based on that but you get the feeling he’s in a pretty good place with himself and his personal life whereas maybe he wasn’t in the past.
Give them a second shot if you like the music.
Jeffro
August 25, 2016 @ 7:42 am
Thank you for turning me on to yet another artist I had not heard of before today. Brilliantly written review – as usual.
Jf
August 25, 2016 @ 8:45 am
Just saw the band for the 3rd time earlier this month. They were unbelievable. This far into their career, both musically and performance-wise, they keep getting better. One of the few bands I will never miss when they come through town. So, I love this record too. Great stuff.
Oh, and Worm — at the last show I saw BJ didn’t use the F word much that I recall. But then i don’t know many females who would wilt at the sound of a naughty word.
Worm
August 25, 2016 @ 11:13 am
Jf, Men in the U.S. should be gentlemen. We should show class and lead the way by being respectful. Women should not tolerate men with poor manners that don’t treat them like ladies. They should respect themselves more than to tolerate rudeness in men. Cursing in front of women and/or children shows a lack of respect and discipline. It’s unnecessary. I wouldn’t remember just “a naughty word”. It was every other word. That said, I will check this album out.
Gumslasher
August 26, 2016 @ 3:05 pm
Think about being a good human being. Words and a nekkid boob should never be a problem. Don’t bring gentlemens in to your equation.
CraigR.
August 25, 2016 @ 1:12 pm
Excellent review. This album is a reminder that great songwriting is really about great storytelling. I think he has the perfect voice for this music. His voice never gets in the way of the song. He reminded of Ella Fitzgerald in that regard. I also loved how he talked right out about poverty. So much of country music is about being so wealthy that you can spend the weekend partying and getting drunk. But this album spits in the eye of that pandering.
Jeremy A.
August 26, 2016 @ 7:10 am
I’m with you man. I think that’s why I love these “depressing” songs so much, it’s because they are about reality. Especially in today’s world, when Nashville is trying to drown us in hick-hop party songs. It’s nice to hear stories about real life.
Christian
August 26, 2016 @ 8:46 am
“This album makes John Moreland sound like Sonny and Cher.”
ha ha!! but sad songs are the best no?
Lee
August 26, 2016 @ 9:50 am
Looking at the headline for this story, I was hoping this would be the front man from AA doing anything besides sing. We saw them in KC with Turnpike Troubadours a month or so ago, and I was impressed with the energy, effort, and professionalism AA displayed. I was surprised by the quality of songwriting, and the band was decent. BJ was very funny, without being crude, and really comes across as the type of guy you’d like to have a beer with. I just wish he’d let anyone else in the band sing. That extra flat drawl just sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me. Is there any way he tones it down a bit on this record? I love the concept of the album, as the antithesis of Nashville’s portrayal of contemporary rural live (all beer and big trucks at the river, baby), but I don’t know if I can handle the vocals.
Gumslasher
August 26, 2016 @ 2:52 pm
He lets up at 30 minutes. Any more would be overkill. Depressing and beautiful. First album of 2016 that got me hooked. I have had this on repeat for two days.
Michael
August 29, 2016 @ 12:12 pm
I am a big fan of American Aquarium, and I was very happy and willing to support this project through Pledge Music. I do not find the record to be too depressing, but perhaps I have become to the sadness as a hardcore American Aquarium fan.
To address those with a negative opinion of BJ, I have been a fan of AA since right before BJ became sober, so I have had the experience of seeing what he was like at his worst and then the consistent ascent into sobriety. Every time I see BJ (and the band for that matter) they get better and better and always manage to keep the shows fresh. Beyond the music, however, the maturity and growth in BJ is incredible. He is humble, happy, and at peace now. I do not feel like the cursing is excessive. Even Jason Isbell throws out the occasional F-word in a song.
As for Rockingham, the standouts for me are Madeline and Unfortunate Kind. I really enjoy the reimaginings of Reidsville, Road to Nowhere and Water in the Well. I am very happy with the record, and I am proud of BJ for making it. The stripped down sound is a welcome treat to the ears.