Greg Graffin - Cold as the ClayYear: 2006
Genre: Alternative Country/Bluegrass
At some time or another, the lead singer of every long-standing punk band has to stand alone and put out a singer/songwriter album. Greg Graffin, lead singer of the practically antediluvian punk band Bad Religion, first put in his requisite solo album in 1997. It was a clear divergence from the fast-paced, guitar heavy harmonies of BR, but yet, somehow still sort of what you would expect. Come 2006, Graffin released a second solo album. Once again, breaking away from the punk visage, Graffin wields his acoustic guitar, and from that comes.....bluegrass? Yes, bluegrass. Graffin consummates a unique marriage of twangy country and power ballad. Much of the album is steeped in beautifully eerie, bucolic lyricism, and helped along by the occasional banjo, mandolin, fiddle and piano. If it isn't mind-blowing enough at face value, also consider the fact that this comes from the man whose metier is politically charged, harmony-heavy punk songs. Consider this his magnum opus.
No comments:
Post a Comment