Cass McCombs – Big Wheel and Others

  • December 15, 2013

Following Cass McCombs’ 2011 companion pieces Wit’s End and Humor Risk is his seventh album – a double CD with 22 tracks – Big Wheel and Others. The Baltimore singer-songwriter who is known for his exploratory approach and poetic lyricism, spans upwards of 90 minutes flirting with different shades of country, rock, and Americana. As always his vocals are impressively delicate yet strong, which he uses for more than his own penned works, here including a cover of Irish rock band Thin Lizzy’s “Honesty Is No Excuse”, two versions of “Brighter” featuring himself and one with the late actress/singer Karen Black (Easy Rider, Nashville), and even three interludes of dialogue with a young boy. For a taste of McCombs’ latest collection, check out standouts “Big Wheel”, “Angel Blood”, and “Morning Star.” – Written by SMarx

SIMILAR | Bill Callahan, Hayden, Lower Dens, The National, Kurt Vile, Wye Oak