There are two kinds of rock songwriters. Those that can create characters that inhabit their songs and those that place themselves at the center of the songs. I tend to connect most deeply with the later. Tommy Womack’s new record, There, I Said It, is an example of the later as it addresses all his personal demons as well as some of the country’s.
Tommy Womack claims to be crazy. Todd Snider confirms it and that’s enough for me. His hobbies include researching the historical Jesus and keeping up with the mob (I’m not kidding). He’s been in a couple influential rock/punk/roots bands including Government Cheese and The Bis-quits. He also plays in bands with Todd Snider and Will Kimbrough. All In all he’s a Songs:Illinois type of guy. I tried to write about his last release, a group project going by the name of Daddy, but couldn’t get permission. So I’m kinda psyched to be writing about this `un.
Tommy Womack’s “Nice Day” and “I’m Never Going To Be A Rock Star” are two of the autobiographical songs that highlight this record. “Nice Day” in particular tells the tale of a 43 year old guy’s dreams and fears. It seems his fears usually overshadow any of his dreams except on this one day when him and his boy get to go swimming at a friend’s pool.
Nice Day
I’m Never Going To Be A Rock Star
Bonus acoustic demo of “Nice Day” from There, I Said It
Government Cheese’s “Camping On Acid”