On The Stereo #21

Jimmie Allen: country’s newest golden boy has just released his stellar debut album Mercury Lane

Wonderful new music from Jimmie Allen, Jason Ewald, I’m No Chessman, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Ward Thomas and The Shires

JIMMIE ALLEN
BOY GETS A TRUCK
Stoney Creek Records
Country’s newest golden boy Jimmie Allen has just released his stellar debut album Mercury Lane and this is one of the record’s standout tracks. It tells the story of growing from boyhood to manhood and how fast the time goes before roles are reversed and he’s the one letting his son go into the world. It’s a brilliant track and highlights the breathtaking talents of Allen. LK

JASON EWALD
LOOKING EVERYWHERE
Self-release
Ewald searches for love and meaning in the big city (NYC) on this reflective soul number. The bassline provides the rhythm to his meanderings before a synth solo arrives to lift the mood and deepen the groove. DH

I’M NO CHESSMAN
AMATEURS
Self-release
From start to finish this EP is full of style, swagger and songwriting prowess. The perky and frisky piano works well with the guitarists’ pop-punk riffs. It’s nostalgic yet newly seasoned and sometimes hard to pin down, but that’s what makes it a great listen. DC

THE CLAYPOOL LENNON DELIRIUM
BLOOD AND ROCKETS
ATO Records
Sometimes what we want in life is six and a half minutes of psychedelic space rock and, for once, we’ve found exactly that. At the centre of the song is the story of rocket scientist Jack Parsons, but more importantly, it’s a chance for the duo to load up on liquid fuel and fly away. DH

WARD THOMAS
NEVER KNOW – ACOUSTIC
Sony Music
Never Know is one of the duo’s best releases to date and really showcases their hugely impressive musical growth over the past four years. This new, stripped-back version really highlights their absolutely stunning vocal harmonies. The acoustic rendition also allows the lyrics to shine through, giving it a more organic, rootsy feel. LK

THE SHIRES
JERUSALEM
Decca
The Shires’ version of the classic hymn is absolutely divine. Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle’s vocals combine to create an utterly breathtaking vocal harmony and the overall modern country production elevates this stunning piece of music to a whole new level. It’s a wonderful, modern version and it will be amazing to see this hymn being newly discovered by a different audience. LK

Words: Duncan Haskell, Laura Klonowski, Dave Chrzanowski

Listen to these songs and other On The Stereo selections on the Songwriting Magazine Spotify ‘Music Reviewed’ playlist.

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