Works Progress Administration. A must Listen.

Welcome to my 1st Review. I’ve decided that my 1st one should be an Indie with a bit of Muscle. WPA (Works Progress Administration).

Let me tell you 1st that when I Review an album I do not listen 1 time and then give my thoughts. I listen a dozen times maybe even more. I want to know the music and feel of the album not just how good or bad a recording is. I am a musician and I care about good recordings, but I am a songwriter and the songs are what is to be served.

WPA. Glen Philips, Sean Watkins, Luke Bullla, who? Luke Bulla along with Sara Watkins and a host of others from club Largo in LA.

WPA was an initiative of FDR in 1939 to put people to work in a tough time. It inspired creativity and art along with hard work. The members of WPA feel that this collaboration is in that same vein.
Glen Phillips (the person to collaborate with) he’s done a bunch of it and it’s all pretty damn good. (Mutual Admiration Society) Sara, Sean Watkins (The Thorns) Shawn Mullins, Pete Droge, Matthew Sweet. Glen was one of the writers, but didn’t tour. Of course "Toad the wet Sprocket" and I am sure much more that I don't know about.

Ok, WPA fully Indie starts with “Always have my Love” (glen) Straight out of the gate, full on sounds like it’s in the heart of Nashville, but also an LA vibe in it. Glen sings “Rise Up” with honest conviction, but very pensive. Glen brings Lyrics to the table that amaze, and speak to whomever is listening.
Sean Watkins serves up “Not Sure”, “Paralyzed”and “Your already gone”. On 1st listen I am not as fond of Sean’s voice, but the harmonies more than make up for it for me. After a few more listens and knowing the song Sean’s voice fits the vibe of the song
and draws you into what he is singing rather than how he’s singing.

The surprise for me is Luke Bulla, I don’t know who he is. He plays Violin for Lyle Lovett
apparently he sings and writes songs too. Brilliant, love his voice on “Who’s gonna Cry for you” and “Remember Well” Wow! this tune really drew me in, probably my Fav on the CD. “Not Sure” (Luke) another tune I’ve felt I have heard before ,very natural.

“The Cry” is a haunting tune and upon 1st Listen, didn’t grab me, but as I got in the mood the vibe was there and it didn’t get skipped again.
The other great surprise for me is Sara Watkins on “ I Go to Sleep” (Ray Davies) her voice is tender and light, but sings with passion. Sara Puts her stamp on the CD with “The Price”
The CD has a fun filled southern honky tonk fiddle tune “A Wedding or a Wake” a great fun toe tapping tune. With all sharing vocal responsibilities The CD ends with Sara on “The Price” a piano Vocal Penned by Bentmont Tench the Piano Player in WPA and a singer/songwriter in his own right.

To sum up this CD. I will give it 5 stars, (yeah I know so high to start with), but this CD with each listen got better, and better. Each collaborator brings his/her own thing to the
CD and it gels. Lyrically strong, taking on Love, Loss, Life and Living.
Hopefully will hear more from this collaborative effort. Purchase this CD and go see them Live I
am sure you will not be disappointed.
You can visit www.wpamusic.com and listen as well as download. You can even name your price to pay. The joy of an Indie, even and indie of this caliber. Good on ya.

J.T Keel
www.40yearphonecall.com