Sunday, November 09, 2008
A+E, Music, Reviews

BUTCH WALKER

“SYCAMORE MEADOWS” (ORIGINAL SIGNAL)

It seems like frontman, singer-songwriter and producer to the stars Butch Walker has been a fixture of the Atlanta music scene for as long as most fans can remember. SouthGang released its first album back in 1991; the Marvelous 3’s indie debut arrived in 1997; and Walker went solo in 2002.

“Everybody knows I’ve seen a lot/ Yeah, I’m experienced,” he sings on “The Difference Between Going Back and Going Home,” an abbreviated but surprisingly comprehensive synopsis of his musical career—complete with rap!

While his previous work painted Walker as a glam-loving retro rocker, “Sycamore Meadows” is a more, well, mature album. Now pushing 40, he’s is in a melancholy mood. The stark, somber piano ballad “Atlanta” and the somewhat overproduced shot of Memphis soul “Ponce de Leon Avenue” also find Walker reflecting on his formative time in his hometown with bittersweet results.

    This is certainly Walker’s most introspective collection, but more importantly, he’s perfected a knack for writing memorable, swirling melodies. Ballads such as “Ships in a Bottle,” “Summer Scarves” and especially the beautiful “Here Comes the…” shimmer like songs you’ve known all your life. A few tough rockers, like the Springsteen-esque “Closer to the Truth and Further from the Sky,” help to balance the reflective vibe.

    Consider this Walker’s diary disc. It’s the place where he recaps his past and reveals insecurities. Combined with some of his finest singing and the best tunes he’s penned, it’s a highlight of his extensive career.  3 STARS—Hal Horowitz