Dean Owens - Whisky Hearts **** (Vermillion Road Records VRR001)
This is how British country should be created...
I've long been a supporter of original UK country music. I don't mean those guys who strut their stuff in a Stetson and sing in a mock American southern twang. I mean guys like Dean Owens, who write highly-personal country flavoured songs and sing in their own natural voice. This is his third solo album, and with a crack band - the Whisky Hearts comprised Will Kimbrough, Paul Deakin, Kevin McGuire, Al Perkins, Robert Reynolds, Jen Gunderman - urging him on, Owens soars on a handful of first-rate originals. His songs are whiskey-soaked, ragged and weathered, with a mix of hardcore heartbreak and rockedged attitude that dares to go unnoticed. The sound here is as unique as it comes and his songwriting is even more intriguing. His music is both high-spirited and reflective and definitely on the cutting edge of rootsy country music. Those who pine for an original take on 1970s California country-rock will find the perfect track in Miss You CA. Al Perkins' pedal steel provides the perfect backdrop to Owens' convincing vocal performance that is a delight to listen to.
May is the kind of song that is the kind of song that Paul McCartney could've written; it has classic Beatles written all over it. In contrast, Leaving To Remain is all about a restless, charismatic drifter, a man haunted by the memory of lost love, yet determinedly unsentimental. Just Another Sunday is another gem of a is another gem of a song; a melody that swims are the mind after one listen and lyrics that make for a lasting impression. WHISKY HEARTS is chance to look into the soul of a man that has lived the songs he has written. That's what good country music is all about, and though this album might push the envelope a little, if we're talking about traditional country, it's a good envelope to push. AC
Dean Owens
“Dean Owens is a genuine one-off... His words are direct, unswerving and deeply personal; his lyrical clarity refreshing. Narratives are both deeply autobiographical and evocative third person - all of which work equally well... Owens has moved beyond the formula of Americana and into the wide world, which is often joyful, sometimes sad, but rarely dull. A triumph.” – Mark Robertson, List Magazine
“Dean Owens is perhaps the most engaging singer-songwriter in Scotland today.” – Irvine Welsh, NY Times
“In my sexy opinion young Dean is the Johnny Cash of Scotland so we should treat him with respect. Normal Johnny was quite hard. Imagine if he had been from Scotland, he'd've been a menace. For gods sake buy this record before he re-offends” – Russell Brand (BBC Radio 2)
“Dean Owens has soul” – Eddi Reader
“Dean's music is full of soul and tells stories that need telling, sung in a voice that keeps drawing you back in” – Will Kimbrough
Barbara Carter
The artwork for Whisky Hearts features some paintings by the artist Barbara Carter bcarter59@mac.com. Barbara Carter is pleased to announce: Paintings by Barbara Carter