Closer, ‘ When The Wall Comes Down’ is more generic folk rock but very pleasing on the ears which pretty much sums up Hallelujah Anyhow. It’s a lovely ode and one which lingers on long after it’s gone. Grammy nominated American folk band, Hiss Golden Messenger, have just announced the release of their 11th studio album, Jump for Joy, and shared its first. Similarly, ‘ Caledonia, My Love’ is the most overtly folky offering, the acoustic guitar and timeless lyrics bringing to mind the north American frontiers and, um, pirates. Whether by design or not Hallelujah Anyhow is an album of song pairings so where ‘ I Am The Song’ and ‘ Gulfport…’ sit nicely side by side so too do the darker piano led ballads of ‘ Jaw’ and ‘ Harder Rain’ and the slower tempo songs work best here but elsewhere ‘ John The Gun’ drifts knowingly into generic MOR country rock, even down to the sax solo while its partner, ‘ Domino (Time Will Tell)’ gets a bit too Sheryl Crow if you squint your ears. We’re talking upbeat Americana, often short and sweet with a sentimental traveller’s tone but fans of the band will already be familiar with Taylor’s way with an introspective narrative and slightly jaunty musical twist. Its ten new songs, penned by HGM principal M.C. Hiss Golden Messenger with Erin Rae I Need a Teacher Live at Newport Folk Festival, July 26. Hallelujah Anyhow is the next studio album from Hiss Golden Messenger. Domino If I fall Will you bang the drum when Im burning Aint it just a funny little highway Of moments, one after another Up on the roof in that early morning light Drunk with you and my brother I recall a time when I felt alone Just outside of San Antone, oh no Yes, I was such a dumb kid But I knew I couldnt do what everybody did Domino. The Dylan and Springsteen comparisons are lazy but correct on tracks like ‘ Jenny of the Roses’ while the honky-tonk piano and bluesy riffs of the same track and standouts ‘ I Am The Song’ and ‘ Gulfport You’ve Been On My Mind’ bring to mind the Black Crowes at their loosest, most stoned and Hollywood Town Hall-era Jayhawks. Domino (Time Will Tell) Sanctuary I Am the Song Bright Direction (You're a Dark Star Now). That’s not to assume Hallelujah Anyhow is a redemption album, the “ forgive me for I have sinned” and “ woe is me” sentiments are thankfully few and far between, Taylor preferring a more MOR radio friendly familiar but nuanced HGM sound on the band’s tenth effort, and there are major chord moments of joy splattered throughout this record like a gentle summer rain. I’ve never been afraid of the darkness it’s just a different kind of light“.

“ This music is for hope“, frontman MC Taylor has stated over-dramatically, “ love is the only way out. The temptation is to go full-Pitchfork on Hiss Golden Messenger‘s latest, Hallelujah Anyhow, and really delve into the meaning of the lyrics and fathom some concept or backstory that probably isn’t there just to make it sound cool and relevant, a bit like 19th Century scholars dissecting Shakespeare desperately in search of a literary hero. Get the guaranteed best price on Rock Vinyl H-K like the Hiss Golden Messenger - Hallelujah Anyhow at Music & Arts.

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