Getting on for 20 years ago, I heard those words that send a chill down any music obsessive’s spine. “Here, listen to this, you’ll love it.” It’s always fraught, as the mate that’s got this record that they want you to listen to has done it with the best intentions, but usually, there’s way better out there (Christ, finding new music is what we do, right?).
This particular time though, the CD I was handed began with the most astonishing song you ever heard. “Pocketful Of Change” on Will Hoge’s fourth album is still one of my favourite songs to this day, which perhaps explains why his 12th album “Wings On My Shoes” is one that MV has been looking forward to more than most records in 2022.
The thing about reviewing favourite artists – especially when they are one’s that perhaps aren’t mainstream – is it can go one of two ways. You can look like you’re bigging them up because they are obscure, or the new stuff isn’t that good and you are crushed.
So lets get it said immediately, shall we: “….Shoes” is the best album any Americana singer is going to release this year. Hands down.
From the minute that “John Prine’s Cadillac” kicks off a power chord in its heart and a soul in its boots then the conclusion to draw is this: these ten songs are the ones that Drive-By Truckers should have put out this year instead of the nine they did.
The thing about Hoge is that he does what he wants. His long time cohorts and he have a chemistry. So whether it’s the Tom Petty-esque chugging of “It’s Just You”, or the beautifully poignant “Queenie” it is sensational.
It is striking that these were recorded live, and there’s “zero studio trickery” (to use Hoge’s words) and that approach gives “You Are The Place” a gloriously organic feel, and there’s a Southern rock flavour to it, in a similar vein, perhaps to The Sheepdogs.
Hoge is a master of finding a way to use words, a way to sing songs unlike anyone else, yet still familiar. “Last One To Go” might have a timeless acoustic feel but there’s never been a love song quite like this. If not a murder ballad, then a funeral one?
The “second side” of this (and I hope it is on vinyl?) is even better than the first – which is no mean feat. “All I Can Take” (done in one take) spits with an almost punk rock heart, and it suits them. Marah (who’s “Kids From Philly” record I will never miss a chance to mention) fans need to apply here.
“Ain’t How It Used To Be” is simply brilliant. The antitheses of those usual country songs, it laments the death of Small Town USA, and does so with these words: “Dodson’s used to sell fried chicken right here, now its called Malone’s and sells wax for your beard….”. A line that is delivered with such feeling that I’d suggest hipsters stayed away from Hoge’s gigs.
“Birmingham” is loaded with longing, regret, and reflection. This album was mostly written in lockdown and I guess that’s what we did back in 2020. Just not as eloquently as this.
The last two vie for the title of the best, though. “Dead Man’s Hand” is proof that Hoge is Dylan-esque in his ability to tell stories in songs (not a phrase I am chucking about lightly). There’s miniseries on HBO that haven’t got this plot, this attention to detail.
But, well, “Who’s God Is This?” is on any level, incredible. It’s as quirky as MV fave Dan Bern, as old-time country as Hank Williams, but the last two minutes is as vicious a takedown of MAGA politics as there is. It’s done with a precision that is worthy of a surgeon.
All of which is why “Wings On My Shoes” is a work of sparkling brilliance by one of the best songwriters there is. On the aforementioned “…Change” he lamented that “the man in Hollywood, says we ain’t any good”, now a blue tick on Twitter, a Grammy nomination and penning songs sung by mega selling country stars might have changed that in 18 years, but Will Hoge is still an outsider. He is, though, one that people for whom music matters everywhere need to take to their hearts.
Rating 9.5/10
