Record Review - 4 April 17 2002

Thousands of albums are released each year with the dreaded “Parental Advisory” sticker attached. But not many have a “Listener’s Advisory” admonishing the buyer to keep the following in mind: “The songs on this record are just that. Songs.”

Nashville musician Lonesome Bob was conscientious enough to include this warning on his second release, the incredibly dark and mesmerizing Things Change. Taking his subjective pessimism to a new depth, Bob manages to explore the disconcerting realm of human experience with more depth than ever before. But no matter how sinister things appear, there’s always the glimmer of a sly grin in the background.

Bob pulls no punches with his words, aiming straight for the soul with the consecutive mournful strikes “Where Are You Tonight?” and “Dreaming the Lie.” Hitting equally hard and deep is the honest and thoughtful “In the Time I Have Left,” a proclamation of commitment to love. On a slightly lighter note, the cynical “Heather’s All Bummed Out” describes the mis adventures of a single woman facing middle-age alone, and the consequent failure of her desperate efforts to find what she seeks.

Supported by some of Nashville’s finest players, Bob’s real ace in the hole is the harmonies of Allison Moorer, whose honey-smooth voice blends beautifully with his powerful vocals. With its dead-on production and provocative lyrics, Things Change is one of those albums that stays with you long after it’s over. And that’s a good thing.

Lonesome Bob plays Smith’s Olde Bar Tues., April 23.??