dirtmusic, dirtmusic (CD)

dirtmusic is a trio of Chris Eckman (Walkabouts), Hugo Race (Bad Seeds), and Chris Brokaw (Come, many other bands). 2007's dirtmusic is their debut CD, and a follow-up came out in 2010. It's a mostly laid-back acoustic album, with minimal percussion and no drums. The songwriting and guitar playing talents of these 3 seasoned veterans easily comes through, and some of the songs are quite engaging. At other times, the arrangements seem a bit awkward, like the then-new group was still learning to collaborate with enough space for everyone's talent and personality to come through. I've been a Walkabouts fan for years and have a bit of a soft spot for Chris Eckman's vocal style. The sound is clean and tasteful, if a bit modern and bright for my taste in folk-y music.