The psyche-melodic guitar swirls of Oska Wald and the alluring back-up vocals of MTN GRL elevate his wry croon, not quite country but not quite contrary. Something like if Lee Hazlewood and John Prine both wanted to buy the same vintage lamp...
The Man in Black solidified his legend as outlaw country pioneer with his spirited live show as performed for 2,000 prisoners and armed guards in one of California's most notorious penitentiaries.
This album exists as a duality, running the spectrum of human emotions from playful optimism and visceral affirmations of life to heartbreak, loss, fear, and loneliness.