Joe Pug – Nation of Heat
Well there’s not much to say about this. It’s not different, it’s not wildly innovative, it’s not… well never mind that. It’s pointless listing what it isn’t, better focus on what it is.
Well it is acoustic, bluesy singer-songwriting delivered in one of those rough, slightly nasal voices that have been pretty much de rigeur in this genre for years. It sounds, in short, like pretty much any other singer-songwriter in this kind of territory.
So why is it good? You know, I couldn’t tell you, but it is – it really is. Irrespective of musical innovation or any of that chatter, Mr. Pug quite simply writes excellent songs. It fits. It works. There’s something complete and satisfying about the music, the delivery, the lyrics, the lot. Mr. Pug’s lyrics are well-crafted, engaging and thoughtful. His confident strum keeps the steam at the turbines and generally the whole album just gets on, delivers the goods, and gets off.
Joe Pug – Hymn #101
Joe Pug – I Do My Father’s Drugs
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