The Salesman and Bernadette
The Salesman and Bernadetteis a three-dimensional album, as bold as it is lonely. For this release, Chesnutt enlisted the backing talents of the 12-piece bandLambchop, who are no strangers to the country and soul thatSalesmanpeddles. The songs weave into one another, bouncing from Motown to Merle Haggard to Van Morrison. The result sounds like a copy ofPet Soundsstorming out of the house and drinking until it cries; the playing and production have to be heard to be believed. Wisely, Chesnutt withholds the money shot untilSalesman's last two songs; "Square Room" is an astral take on the aching laments of George Jones, and "Old Hotel" is a midnight sulk into slippery samples and husky growling. It's not a disc that's easily appreciated on the first listen, but a few patient spins unravel something opaque yet shiny as hell.--Jason Josephes