Listening to any of Jack Oblivian’s songs makes me think of noir author Jim Thompson: songs from the wrong side of the track, about people a little past gone with no hope of coming back. But these people have some heart, if only anyone would listen (“Girl with the Bruises,” “Dark Eyes.”) The man can wring a searing tone out of his guitar (watch how he bends those strings next time you see him live). Some real boogie blues, but don’t think Grand Funk Railroad. This here is a solo Jack O. record but features members of his on-off band, The Tennessee Tearjerkers.
–Sal Lucci (Big Legal Mess)