Live At Devil’s Gulch Drinkery is the fourth album from Troy Lindsey, the world-traveling sky crane worker who was long ago taught guitar by a Wyoming preacher and now records music at the drop of a crane in such venues as Moscow’s Red Square. Yeah, I think it’s a pretty colorful background, too.
Anyway, Lindsey’s fourth effort consists of three tracks from album #1 and one track each from albums 2 & 3.
“The Battle” is a pleasing song in a dejected sense. Bluesy guitar riffs buzz alongside morose acoustic melodies. The solo at the song’s conclusion beckons the listener in its despondency.
The guitar jibes so well with the vocals in “Dark Hour.” Lindsey’s voice can get as low and dark as a mineshaft.
Sorry About Your Misery
http://youtu.be/fiLLqGXQS84
It seems the speaker’s demons go beyond the personal level with the track “Economic Stimulus.”
There’s mention of Communists and a drowning economy. Pay attention to 0:51. I love the way Lindsey sings “And I don’t know what’s goin’ down.”
The lyrics may seem a bit like 1960s protest music: “You trust in the government / You trust in the man.” But Lindsey’s style is too rugged for this track to take on the air of hippy revolt.
It’s more like a man’s lament before he drowns himself in a bucket of moonshine.
Economic Stimulus
http://youtu.be/ch_3DVdhKZg
“End of it All” has some fine rhythm guitar work. This chorus captures Lindsey’s vocals in great form: “And I still find myself / Alone at the end of it all.”
Also in fine form is the succeeding guitar solo — not too rapid, but steady and dominating. At 3:24 something happens that I’ve never before heard a guitar do. Take a listen!
From the track “It’s Not Your Fault” come the lyrics, “You don’t have to fight anymore.” I like this line because it typifies the album’s recurring emotional theme of sullen resignation.
“Tender” isn’t exactly the first word one would associate with Lindsey’s music. But there’s a tenderness to the track, “Kentucky Blues” — albeit tenderness of a gruff sort.
Before concluding, it’s worth the mention: the lead guitar player is Mike Bills and he is an asset to any band.
Lindsey’s music tends to hit pretty hard, and any corresponding beverages should be no less than 80 proof.
Take a trip to the Devil’s Gulch: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/troylindsey1
http://www.reverbnation.com/troylindsey
http://www.troylindsey.com
Ray Cavanaugh – owleyesgatsby@yahoo.com
