Trying to decide which Bill Mallonee discs to review is like trying to decide which child you like best. It was an obvious choice to review this one. WPA Volume 5 is the latest to come down the pipe. It should be available by the time you read this. Bill named this gem Cabin Songs after moving into a small cabin and writing these tunes during a tremendous rainy season tucked away around the changing fall colors in his new home remotely located in the mountains. The surroundings come through here in spades! This offering has it all in abundance… Each WPA Volume is unique in it’s own way, and Volume 5 is basically just Bill and his guitar work, acoustic and electric, mixed in and laid down over the softness of the lyrics which cover faith, loss, love and life in a generous offering of poetry that settles softly just underneath the strumming of the strings.
I agree with Mallonee that “Did I Tell You The Bullets Still There” might just possibly be one the best song that he has ever written. That one has the staying power and the resilience of favorites like “Blister Soul“, “Skin” and “Welcome To Struggleville”. “Dressed Up In Love” has a nice pop feel to it and reminds me of the Brit Pop feel that “Sad Parade” carried from the Lower Case EP. Volume 5 has a total of 7 songs that breathe a new life into Bill discography… “Long Lost Friends” starts off the recording and sets the pace for what’s to come, “Stop Breakin’ Down” picks up the pace with choppy strumming that pulls a really unique sound out of the strings acoustically. “Autumn Graces” is the song that really shows the surrounding where it was born and reminds me of the beauty in nature as well as the beauty that lives and breathes in those closest to me, and it tips it‘s hat at the grace of second chances. “Warm Up Act” is a foreshadowing of the life yet to come.
There is another tune as well that I haven‘t had the privilege of hearing yet, but I know that it has to be amazing as well. If you are a long time fan of Bill’s work, you will welcome this release. If you have been away for awhile, this is a hearty welcoming back that is sure to be enjoyed. The music is settling and relaxing, the lyrics are poetic and honest. Pick this one up from Bill’s website and then go back and get the other four as well!
“So have some mercy on yourself and the skin you’re in, might be the greatest act of faith there’s ever been.” – Long Lost Friends
[2009 Independent | Purchase: VOLSounds.com]
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