We’re back from break and excited about what 2008 will bring. I’m already backed up with posts that I want to share with you. But none are as important to me as this one about Nels Andrews new record.
I’ve been waiting for a new record from Nels Andrews (myspace) probably from the moment I heard his 2005 debut Sunday Shoes. And while I haven’t heard the whole of the new record, Off Track Betting, I know already from the song below and the two others on MySpace that I can give it my highest recommendation.
I sometimes wonder if the readers of this blog think I’m too positive or too hyperbolic. While at times I may seem to be a bit of a lone wolf howling away in vain about unsigned artist after unsigned artist, in this case I’m sure there’ll be a cacophony of concurring opinions as soon as this February release starts to land on music reviewers desks both here and abroad. That’s because the release of Sunday Shoes and subsequent tours have engendered much goodwill for Nels. In fact Nels Andrews has competed as a finalist at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, The Kerrville Folk Festival, and The Falconridge Folk Festival. Sunday Shoes went on to land on many top 5 lists for the year and was Bob Harris of BBC’s Album of the Year.
For his 2005 debut Nels harnessed the sounds of the desert; here on Off Track Betting he’s kept that basic sound but tampered with it somewhat by adding some odd instruments and assorted percussion . These changes are probably in part due to his recent move to NYC and the addition of a known producer in Todd Sickafoose. The new sounds mimic some of what you might hear in a busy city so that makes sense. The band on the new record is top notch as well with Michael Jorgensen on keyboards (Wilco), Adam Levy on guitar (Norah Jones, Amos Lee) and Todd Sickafoose contributing on standup bass (Ani Difranco). “Lady Of The Silver Moon” has a lovely tinkling piano and intro and a great use of cymbols throughout the song but it’s Nels rich voice that makes the track something special.
Pre-order Off Track Betting here.
Bonus songs from 2005′s Sunday Shoes (buy it here from Amazon)
Now I like that! A great voice and a nicely structured sound. Thanks!
I’ve heard ‘Off Track Betting’ from start to finish and it’s a fabulous record. I think it’ll do real well for Nels.
I think Nels is gonna score big with Off Track Betting, and it couldn’t happen to a more worthy guy. B.t.w., have you heard Nels’ pal A.J. Roach’s “Revelation”? Swwoooooooonnnn