Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream

Of all the things I took folk-rocker Chuck Prophet to be, I certainly didn’t think him to be prolific. But alas, I am so ever happily incorrect, as Prophet has just released a cover album of Waylon Jennings’. Under the title of Dreaming Waylon’s Dreams, the album is an amazingly unique and different reinterpretation of Jennings’ classic Dreaming My Dreams. Indeed, Prophet infuses some incredible re-imagining into this sleepy-eyed, magical opus.

Where Jennings adds his characteristic country-rock, feel-good aura to the original tracks, Prophet subdues these songs in a painfully sweet way. Prophet slows these tracks down, extracts as much beauty out of them as Jennings would warrant. “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?” is perhaps the most enchanting and captivating song I’ve heard all year, and is certainly a wonderful adaptation of Jennings’ original. So be sure to do like Hank, and grab a copy of Dreaming Waylon’s Dreams.

Listen to “Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way?” (5/5)

Listen to “Dreaming My Dreams with You” (4.4/5)

This is where we really start to get down to business, so let’s see who rounds out the Top 10.

6. Feist - The Reminder

With a little help from Steve Jobs and a lot of help from a friggin’ fantastic album, Feist really made it! So irresistibly charismatic and sexy, the Canadian chanteuse has certainly made a name for herself. She easily makes her talents seem effortless, taking the labor out of the music and making it purely something to be thoroughly enjoyed. Feist further showcases her uncanny ability to tackle multiple genres with the cool-and-calm nature of which even The Fonz would be jealous. There’s a nicer, longer review of The Reminder here.

Listen to “Brandy Alexander” (5/5)

7. The Clientele - God Save The Clientele

On GStC, The Clientele effortlessly move from track to track, as they touch on lullaby ballads to toned down versions of 60’s and 70’s folkpop. It seems as though the album was written from the hip, a stream of consciousness, but with each note carefully plucked. This delightful collection of songs is truly a seratonin riser. God Save the Clientele is one of those records that is so warm and sweet, that I often have a difficult time putting it into words. This is an album to enjoy not just this year but for the many to come as well. More on The Clientele here.

Listen to “Here Comes the Phantom” (4.9/5)

8. Chuck Prophet - Soap and Water

Chuck Prophet’s Soap and Water was perhaps one of the most delightful surprises of the year. Sneaking in towards the very end of 2007, the seasoned veteran singer-songwriter peppers his album with blues-heavy basslines and sharp pop sensibilities. Witty and fun, you can tell Prophet was just having a great time making the record in the first place. I guarantee that the bluesy-folk rhythms and the deep baritone of Prophet will enthrall you as well. More on Chuck Prophet here.

Listen to “Freckle” (5/5)

9. Jamie Scott - Park Bench Theories

Scott is a masterful troubadour, flirting with James Blunt comparisons but yet drawing comparisons to the dynamicism of an Elton John or-for a more recent reference-a Paolo Nutini. As the album title might suggest, Scott’s music listens more like a diary, the listener being let in on a collection of one singer-songwriter’s view on daily life. The lush arrangements certainly take the ordinary and turn them into interesting works of art, appealing to a wide range of generations and genres. More on Jamie Scott here.

Listen to “Lady West” (4.9/5)

10. Anders Osborne - Coming Down

Osborne relates much of the pain and destruction felt by New Orleaners following Hurricane Katrina, as his southern croon bellows delicately over a collection of funk-jazz-blues fusion tracks. Osborne has the unique ability to make a ballad so thoroughly captivating, as his voice ebbs and flows with real emotive power. Coming Down is an album that celebrates revival in the aftermath of tragedy. More on Anders Osborne here.

Listen to “Back on Dumaine” (5/5)

You probably have never heard of Chuck Prophet (neither have I) until now, but it sure baffles me why not. A veteran singer-songwriter for the past 20-some years, Prophet really hasn’t had his share of recognition. But I tell you–take one (or 5) listens to Prophet’s latest album Soap and Water, and you’ll be praising his abilities until you’re blue in the proverbial face.

Prophet seems to channel Tom Petty in his guitar, Dylan in his tone, and Mark Knopfler in his voice. Prophet sounds cool and assured on Soap and Water, his confident baritone filling well with the bluesy folk rhythms. He effortlessly moves from ballads like glazey harmonious “Happy Ending” to the more upbeat rock tracks like the southern twangy “Freckle” or the spoken word “Down Time”. Prophet seems to tie it all in with his fresh witty ‘isms, his excellent musicianship, and (you guessed it) a children’s choir. It seems as though Prophet is indeed a wise elder, a statesmen of a generation of singer-songwriter rockers teaching the youngins how to lay it down.

Go, go, go and buy Soap and Water.

Listen to “Freckle” (5/5)

Listen to “Happy Ending” (4.8/5)