Some records are necessary. John Kay delivers a combination of blues, folk, and country overtones on this outing, but more importantly, a damn strong message. His lyrics are a wake-up call to all and sundry. Politically speaking, America, at the present moment, is in trouble. Kay hits you with unemployment lines and hard ass luck. In "Twin Town" people are losing their homes as well as their jobs. Skip the media and controlled newspapers, just look around-use your eyes and let your heart guide you into the truth; it's not a pretty picture. After listening to this disc, I checked out my Leadbelly, Big Bill Broonzy, Lightning Hopkins, and Woody Guthrie records. Each and every generation has something to offer. And in the same breath, we all suffer in our own way. John takes us down a road of keen observations. He doesn't offer solutions to our problems, that would be impossible. The songs speak for themselves, little biographies-our own biographies, and yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Take a walk with John Kay through twelve tracks and no standouts, like I said earlier: "Some records are necessary," and this is the one. Highly recommended.
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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