Sound Check
10/31/2018
‘Hard Times and White Lines’
Whitey Morgan and the 78’s
Released on Oct. 26, 2018,
by Whitey Morgan Music via Thirty Tigers
Whitey Morgan’s fifth album, “Hard Times and White Lines” boasts a 10-song set list by the deep baritone. Morgan writes most of the songs on the album, but he switched it up a bit this time and brought in some co-writers to add to the rich country honky-tonk vocals.
“I’d written material, but forgot about it,” he says. “So I brought in a few others to help out. It was a great kick in the ass to motivate me to finish the songs.”
Whitey shows off his blue-collar roots (he’s from Flint, Michigan) in the song, “What Am I Supposed to Do.” The working class lyrics could be played at a union rally. He sings about the “job he loved to hate” with punchy boldness.
“Bourbon and Blues” begins with clear vocals while combining country with blues, such as “you outa change your whiskey ways.”
The album also features a classic ZZ Top cover, “Just Got Paid,” where he takes it down half-of-a-notch from the original version, enriching the melody.
All of these tunes portray unique melodies — it’s not all country — but with Morgan’s deep voice, it’s not your grandpa’s country music either. ♦
‘Evening Machines’
Gregory Alan Isakov
Released on Oct. 5, 2018, by Dualtone Records
Indie-folk singer Gregory Alan Isakov released his fourth studio album titled, “Evening Machines.” The self-produced song was recorded in Isakov’s barn studio just outside of Boulder. Recording music is just one passion. He is also a full-time farmer who sells vegetable seeds and grows market crops. Numerous songs feature earthy lyrics, such as “slipped from orbit,” “storm clouds thirsty” and “even the half moon’s holding out.”
Isakov is known for acoustic sets and haunting vocal effects. In the song, “Berth,” he sings about “quit all that looking back,” with the rich harmonizing vocals and strings in the background.
“Wings in All Black,” is a personal story about Isakov’s life when he suffered from anxiety after a tour.
The dreamy lyrics are sure to please concert goers when he makes an appearance at Wooly’s on Nov. 4. ♦
