Blindsided
Soundly, 2020
8/10
The Massachusetts troubadour Mark Erelli has had quite a prolific career, with an album release in just about every year since 1999, and here he offers us the well thought out, eloquent and the sort of varied song craft that he’s built his career on.
Erelli leads strong with the title track as his raw, warm vocals guide the melodic folk-rocker, and “Can’t Stand Myself” follows with a bright display of rootsy rock fun that’s plenty playful and gritty.
In the middle, “Stranger’s Eyes” trims the pace back to an emotive delivery of soulful textures, while “Lost In Translation” finds the listen entering ballad territory with both beauty and timelessness. “The Western Veil”, one of the album’s best, then finds Erelli’s breezy and dreamy side coming out in the album highlight.
Deeper into the listen, “Rose-Colored Rearview” flows with crisp Americana, and “Careless” exits the listen poetic and with introspection in the touching finish where the piano adds much to the elegance.
Erelli takes much inspiration from Tom Petty, and it helps make Blindsided a fuller display of his unparalleled skill, where a richly layered and lush execution makes this another must hear listen in his fantastic catalog.
Travels well with: John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul