Blue Days Black Nights
Possessing a voice as rough and real as a corn-fedNeil Young, an eye for detail as compact as a poet's, and a knack for forlorn yet catchy melodies that would makeBrian Wilsonproud, Freedy Johnston has become one of the most respected singer/songwriters in rock. For his fifth album, Johnston turns down the amps and navigates the introspective path that's served him so well in the past. "Changed Your Mind" and "While I Wait for You" operate as modest pop-rock elevated by irresistible choruses, but the bittersweet "Pretend It's Summer" and "Emily" reveal Johnston's folk and literary leanings. ProducerT Bone Burnett(with Roger Moutenot) captures Johnston's gentle grace with a roomy sound. Session drummer extraordinaire Jim Keltner applies his relaxed, rock-solid touch while subtle electric guitar accents punctuate the sly hooks.Blue Dayswill stand as an understated addition to Johnston's canon.--Rob O'Connor