Willy
Mason is a fresh mix of rock, folk, indie
music
By
Ricky Cruces
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Willy Mason has brought back a music style that thought to have died in the ’60s,
catering to underground and mainstream listeners. There’s one thing Mason
does have, and whether you like his music or not, it’s soul.
Mason combines elements of folk, indie, country and blues to put out his debut
CD, “Where the Humans Eat.” This album was released under Team
Love (label of Bright Eyes front man Conor Oberst) in 2004.
When you first hear this album, assuming you know the history of rock ‘n’ roll,
you can’t help but to notice the resemblance to ’60s folk rock
musician Bob Dylan.
Another thing to point out is his voice. Mason, although 21, sings as if he
is about 40 and has been smoking all his life. His voice is also comparable
to the late Johnny Cash. However, this fact just adds to the amazement when
you hear how well he can play guitar.
After listening to this 13-song tour de force it is apparent to tell the feelings
Mason had while writing this album. Many of the songs are influenced by original
blues style writings and forms. Mason skillfully captures his feelings on current
issues while maintaining a style true to blues and country.
When listening to this CD there are few tracks that really show how great this
CD is. The first is the track “Our Town.” This song is a minor
blues that makes you feel as if there are hellhounds on your trail. “Our
Town” is the Cash-type track on the album reminds you of the Folsom Prison
Blues.
But the best song on “Where the Humans Feed” is neither one of
his singles that made it to the charts, but the sadder blues song “Fear
no Pain.” Its moments of truth along with the catchy vocal lines are
the open-tuned guitar lines featuring the slide. Upon hearing this, this is
where it really sinks in. Mason has soul.
So here’s the breakdown. This album fulfills all your wet dreams about
going back to the ’60s and seeing Dylan and Cash perform. If you like
some indie/ folk/ rock bands of today and are a fan of Bright Eyes, you might
enjoy it. This album gets an
A for originality and style that he was able to bring back a generation of
music.
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