Music Reviews

There is something wonderfully nostalgic running through many of the songs found on America’s Beautiful Waltz, not least the titular opener, which does what it says on the tin, a slow, seductive slow waltz through the duality of the American Dream.

But even when things move through more electric and contemporary sonic pastures, there is more than a slight 50’s vibe to songs like Deep In My Heart, and Do You Mind has a tremendous glam stomp energy mixed with some proggy dynamics and psychedelic interludes.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic running through many of the songs found on America’s Beautiful Waltz, not least the titular opener, which does what it says on the tin, a slow, seductive slow waltz through the duality of the American Dream.

But even when things move through more electric and contemporary sonic pastures, there is more than a slight 50’s vibe to songs like Deep In My Heart, and Do You Mind has a tremendous glam stomp energy mixed with some proggy dynamics and psychedelic interludes.

CatsMelvin’s album, America’s Beautiful Waltz, is a rather cynical look at contemporary America, from the perspective of a Lincoln, Nebraska band. With a warbly lead vocal, CatsMelvin provides Americana-y commentary on our modern world.

Two songs in, they sing how “All We Have Is Fear.” The line is repeated over and over, in order to fully make its point. In times past, we Americans were told we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Nowadays, though we’re said to have just fear, and nothing else. That’s not a very optimistic outlook. Another song, which rumbles to an old-time rock and roll groove with plenty of enjoyable electric guitar work, is called “Whole World Is Smoking.” This is not a pro marijuana song, nor is it an anti-tobacco tune. Instead, it’s an observation of a world that’s on fire. The music for this one will make you feel good, even if its lyrics won’t.

Like all my records I do them for myself first. One of the things I learned from Steve Albini. To think the music industry needs, wants, or cares about you is ridiculous. You really have to want to make music for yourself or with no expectations. I would say overall it is easier to get exposure and capitalize on what you can do now as opposed to in earlier years. It was far more needing someone to make money off you to get exposure. Now, you can do it with social media yourself. And hope it explodes. I look at it as ten quality Outlaw Country tracks that people can discover and freely think about people with more tolerance.