Simon Joyner

With weary words, melancholic melodies and tortoise tempos, this album is a perfect autumnal accompaniment. Simon Joyner's fifth album was the first where he was joined by a full band, but that doesn't mean these songs sound louder or more rocking. If anything, the juxtaposition of his sad compositions with a slow burning country backline sounds even more influenced by the late great Townes Van Zandt than his acoustic numbers, especially on the lonesome title track and the death waltz of "John Train's Blues," where hushed horns and subtle string arrangements cushion the bite of his lyrics.