The Gospel According To Blind Uncle Harry
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Listen to The Gospel According To Blind Uncle Harry
A Bloomington, Indiana native with a penchant for sing-alongs and political wordplay in his alt-country and protest folk songs, Blind Uncle Harry delivers a charming batch of playful storytelling that’s not short on harmonies and bluegrass nods, too.
“Long Lonesome Tune” opens up the album with harmonica and violin before dual gender vocals enter the folksy, jam band fun, and “D Chord Hammer Ditty” follows with a trio of singers and upright bass highlighting the dreamy setting.
Near the middle, “Uh Oh (Sounds Like Somebody Pissed Off Jesus)” starts a cappella before a busy display of quirky Americana enters, while “Savannah Kentuckiana”, one of the album’s best, recruits complementary female vocals from Shelby Jo Everett in the ultra melodic country influenced tune.
Further on, “Emma Lynn” moves soft and agile with just an acoustic guitar and violin to accompany the breezy setting, and “Sunny Afternoon” unfolds like a campfire-esque anthem that you won’t forget anytime soon. “It’s All Fucked (Not Your Fault)” finishes the listen with his own brand of gospel that makes great use of a dobro on his commentary of the grim status quo.
Harry is actually Chris Doran, although he had an uncle named Harry who was blind and a musician, and the songwriter sure has a way with words on this clever, sometimes comical, and other times political record that all fans of Billy Bragg should familiarize themselves with.
Travels well with: Todd Snider- Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol.3; Hamell On Trial- The Happiest Man In The World