Stranger to Me Now
Draw a line beginning with early rock & roll pioneers likeBuddy HollyandRicky Nelson, continue through the sweet pop sentiments of the '60s, veer into the country inspirations and roots rock of the '70s and '80s (thinkGram Parsons,Bruce Springsteen), and you'll end up pointing directly at Monte Warden.A Stranger to Me Now, his Asylum debut, showcases these influences in a country-rock amalgam that's at once an homage to his heroes and at the same time wholly original and contemporary. With expressive songwriting and vocals that always carry just the right punch (the whisper soft "Just to Hear Your Voice" is an achingly vivid depiction of heartbreak, while good times don't get much better than with "Madeline"), Warden won't be a stranger for long.--Alexandra Russell