Deer Tick

If there were a Society of Neo-Dylan Troubadours, John McCauley, with his froggy wail, wheezing harmonica and plucked acoustic, would definitely be a card-carrying member. That said, Born on Flag Day is laced with romantic hooks and vintage choruses that are decidedly pre-Bob. Rootsy pop like "Houston, TX" and the rockabilly-tinged "Straight Into a Storm" (which is just an awesome song) reveal a childhood spent listening to the oldies station with tunes like "Come On, Let's Go," "Rave On," "Runaway" and "I Fought the Law" on regular play.

On Deer Tick's impressive 2007 debut, War Elephant, one-man band John J. McCauley III
sounds like a grizzled troubadour, conjuring old shoes and dirty dishes with a warm Lucky
Strike croak. Now fronting a tour-honed quartet, the 23-year-old comes on like a stampede
on Born on Flag Day, spurred by the galloping drums and backing vocals from Dennis
Michael Ryan. McCauley sounds no less lonely, staring down abandonment and d... More >