I love the first Son Volt record but something about the 1997 follow-up, “Straightaways” connected with me even more. It was anticipated in our (very) little circle for so long, with a live “Cemetery Savior” here and “Caryatid Easy” there. And it landed with me just a tad brighter and varied and a bit out there at times compared to the beloved debut, “Trace”. I assume the time on the road really got them firing as a unit, and Brian Paulson has a spotless track record as producer and polisher of artists’ strengths, and it was one of those magic songwriter stretches. Dunno. People are gonna like what they like. Anyway, it’s way more ignored than maligned nowadays but it’s still the one I go to. Here’s a stab at a couple highlights. More to come, good lord willin’!
JK
Roadkill Buttsteak 