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Known for his soulful singing and spell casting live shows, Americana singer/ songwriter Rod Picott releases his most inspired album to date. Maverick Magazine says Summerbirds is "as damn near perfect as you can get ". Born in Maine and raised in a hardworking blue collar family in the mill town of South Berwick, Picott was exposed to a surprising mix of music growing up. His father brought home Ray Charles and John Phillip Sousa from his stint in the Marines and his brother an avid punk record collector brought the punk poetry of The Clash and Patti Smith. Early stints in garage and bar bands cemented his love of performing but also convinced him that writing songs himself was where his desire lay. In 1994 Picott made his way to Nashville TN, where he quickly drew attention for his writing and became one of the most promising newcomers in a scene rife with competition. This new album showcases Picott's superb songwriting and gift for melody across 11 tracks on his most inspired and rocking album yet. The recordings were tracked with a who's-who band of Nashville veterans including Steve Bowman [drums] of the Counting Crows and Pat Buchanan [CMA guitarist of the year 2006] who has played with Tim Mcgraw and Lynyrd Skynyrd in recent years. Rod ends a European tour on September 22nd playing dates in the UK, Ireland and Italy. During one of his many stops in the UK he played on Bob Harris's Saturday show live on September 8th. Tracks: Jealous Stars / Hand Me Down / Sinner's Prayer / Trouble Girl / Just Like Love / When Your Bird Won't Fly / Something In Spanish / Moscow Idaho / Worry Doll / You Can't Talk To Me Like That Anymore / Little Bird.
Product Description
This is Rod's fourth album since his 2001 debut 'Tiger Tom Dixon's Blues', and it's a disc that cements him as one of the finest independent singer/songwriters around. His previous album, 2004s 'Girl from Arkansas' was a more acoustic and laid back affair than we'd seen before, but 'Summerbirds' sees him find the perfect balance with a mix of guitar based rockier tracks and quieter pieces.
The eleven songs are perfectly arranged by the small group of musicians; acoustic and electric guitars, bass, organ, accordion, percussion and violin form the musical backdrop - it may look simple, but the production by Picott and David Henry is excellent, and like his previous discs this album has an honest and natural feel.
While often referred to as gritty and straightforward songwriter probably a remnant from his debut disc, it's a tag that fits a little less with each disc - over the course of his four albums, he's developed into a sophisticated and varied songwriter, and the range of songs here go from delicate acoustic ballads to guitar led rockier pieces. The two constants are Rod's strong vocals which fall into either style with ease, and his superb ear for a melody - there are some memorable tunes on show throughout.
The album is a mixture of strong lyrics and pop-like melodies - 'Hand Me Down' and 'Trouble Girl' are the obvious highlights, and there's a great co-write with Slaid Cleaves in 'Sinner's Prayer'.
Rod's consistency as a writer is remarkably high across all of his discs, and 'Summerbirds' is no exception - strong songs mixed with excellent musicians and memorable vocal performances. Highly recommended.
Track listing
1 Jealous Stars
2 Birds Won`t Fly
3 Hand Me Down
4 Sinner`s Prayer
5 Trouble Girl
6 Just Like Love
7 Something in Spanish
8 Moscow Idaho
9 Worry Doll
10 You Can`t Talk To Me
11 Come Little Birds
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
At last we find Rod maturing as an artist with an album of well written songs.
As usual he has toured this material here in the UK playing the smallest of venues slowly and surely gaining fans as he goes. I first caught him on stage supporting Chele Rose who was at the time promoting her fabulous album 'Nanahelly River' but who has since dissappeared.
He has played at the Bristol Bonaventure Club several times now and always gives us a show that is rich in fun and sentiment, about a month ago was the first time he has performed with a complete band on stage and what a difference it made, sadly not with the gorgeous Amanda Shires this time who does grace this album with her fine violin work and voacal harmonies (with cowgirl boots no less!). Rod has written 9 of the 11 songs on this album.
'Jelous Stars' is the album opener and a real cracker which quite easily sits alongside Springsteen in his early days!
'You Cant Talk To Me Like That' co-written with Sean Patrick McGraw
'Sinners Prayer' with best friend and confidente Slaid Cleaves.
'Trouble Girl' 'Just Like Love' and 'Moskow Idaho' roll along in the usual Picott manner.
It's the quality of 'Hand Me Down' 'When Your Bird Wont Fly' and 'Jelous Stars' that should signify to an unsuspecting public that Rod is going places. I hope he gets the airplay he so richly deserves and this album becomes his most successful, he sold a shed load on the night I saw him. If you are browsing the 'What's On' columns in your local paper and see the name Rod Picott then I can only say "go and see him, you will not be dissappointed"
If you like this, then I cant praise Amanda Shires album West Cross Timbers enough. Produced, Engineered. Recorded & Mixed by David Henry with assisstance from Rod Picott.
It includes the wonderful 'Put Me To Bed' which Amanda sung on her last tour with Rod and made this particular 43 year old melt at the knees!
Buy it if you see it
As usual he has toured this material here in the UK playing the smallest of venues slowly and surely gaining fans as he goes. I first caught him on stage supporting Chele Rose who was at the time promoting her fabulous album 'Nanahelly River' but who has since dissappeared.
He has played at the Bristol Bonaventure Club several times now and always gives us a show that is rich in fun and sentiment, about a month ago was the first time he has performed with a complete band on stage and what a difference it made, sadly not with the gorgeous Amanda Shires this time who does grace this album with her fine violin work and voacal harmonies (with cowgirl boots no less!). Rod has written 9 of the 11 songs on this album.
'Jelous Stars' is the album opener and a real cracker which quite easily sits alongside Springsteen in his early days!
'You Cant Talk To Me Like That' co-written with Sean Patrick McGraw
'Sinners Prayer' with best friend and confidente Slaid Cleaves.
'Trouble Girl' 'Just Like Love' and 'Moskow Idaho' roll along in the usual Picott manner.
It's the quality of 'Hand Me Down' 'When Your Bird Wont Fly' and 'Jelous Stars' that should signify to an unsuspecting public that Rod is going places. I hope he gets the airplay he so richly deserves and this album becomes his most successful, he sold a shed load on the night I saw him. If you are browsing the 'What's On' columns in your local paper and see the name Rod Picott then I can only say "go and see him, you will not be dissappointed"
If you like this, then I cant praise Amanda Shires album West Cross Timbers enough. Produced, Engineered. Recorded & Mixed by David Henry with assisstance from Rod Picott.
It includes the wonderful 'Put Me To Bed' which Amanda sung on her last tour with Rod and made this particular 43 year old melt at the knees!
Buy it if you see it
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
1 review
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
If you like genuine, real stick-to-your-psyche music, do not miss out on Rod Picott
24 Sep 2008
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Seriously, just type in "Rod Picott" and click a disc. Any disc. It doesn't matter, because once you've listened to the first you'll just come right back and order one of each.
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