The John Butler Trio

Australian outfit The John Butler Trio released their sophomore album Grand National, and I've been infatuated with it since then. Some might classify their music as roots or jam, and although the core definitions seem appropriate, the connotations are not. A jam band implies a lack of lyrical talent, or at least a serious lack of attention to detail. For JBT, this simply is not the case.

Sonically, Grand National is exceptional. It contains some of the best guitarmanship I've heard in quite a while, from the jangly to the trippy to the straight up nasty (the good nasty). Indeed, the guitar takes center stage in the songs, showcasing everything from quieter ballads (see "Losing You") to cranking out some pounding riffs ("Gov' Did Nothin'"). And that's not to disparage the vocals that are present on this album--while their content is nothing exceptional or incredibly profound, it would be shameful to disregard them. They certain add a positive element to the tracks. On "Gov' Did Nothin'", the vocals get you started and then the strings take over with some fantastic 4 minute bridge of soloing. Or have a listen to "Fire in the Sky", which just flirts with your ears until you succumb to its infectious hooks. And if I could see them play "Funky Tonight", with its fingerlickin' pluckings and all, surely it would be a sight to see.

So stop reading. Go and get Grand National.
Listen to "Gov' Did Nothin'" (5/5)
Listen to "Funky Tonight" (4.6/5)