Erica Blinn’s new release Better Than Gold (Curry House) is a classic, wild roots rock album that’ll draw you in and spit you out on the other side of midnight. Produced by Mike Landolt (Blues Traveler, Maroon 5), it’s Blinn’s third album but the first one to throw some Nashville studio time into the normally Ohio-based production mix.
Opening with the bold “Softer Side,” with Blinn’s driving slide guitar and a 70’s throwback riff by Wade Coffer, the album promises to be anything but soft. “Dance With the One (Who Brought You Here)” continues the catchy vibe with some real down home frenetic harmonica that’s part of Blinn’s signature style. And then it’s back to “A Little Rain,” where Blinn highlights more of her country side.
Maybe the most interesting informational detail about this album is that Blinn’s father, Jerry Blinn, came up with the part and played bass on “When I’m With Suzie (I Do What I Want), “ which also features Stephen Cooper. “Suzie” and “Don’t You Be Lonely” feature a driving horn section, too: The Soul Satyr Horns: (John Bonham – trumpet, Ted Basinger – trombone and Joe Reasoner – saxophone). The horns lend Stones-esque excitement to an rousing build-up song; in the end, it’s a toss-up which of these numbers is the most intriguing and catchy of the album.
An earnest ballad “Suitcases and Truck Stops,” is followed by more rockin’ alt-country, and the album is a perfect blend of styles. The songs came out just like solid gold, without a trace of forced rhyme in the lyrics or even one of those uncomfortable too-predictable riffs in the music. Get your copy today, here.
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