You are going to love Caleb Elliott for two reasons. One, he works out of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, on the Tennessee River. This means he sounds something like Ocean Colour Scene, a band that was enormous in 1997 and who were themselves enormous fans of the Muscle Shoals vibe to the extent that they called their first album Moseley Shoals, a sort of Birmingham, England plus Birmingham, Alabama mashup.
The other reason, and most especially for UK fans, is that Caleb had a song on the US version of Shameless. Now I am not ashamed to say that I vastly prefer the US version of Shameless for three (casting) reasons. William H. Macy is a god among actors and Emmy Rossum is simply the knees of the bee, of every bee. She is perfectly cast. She is even called Emmy – what a name for any actor! And another perfect casting is Shanola Hampton. You can add a fourth reason now you know that Caleb is on the soundtrack.
I might have lost count of all my reasons and sub-reasons there but never mind, I'm not wrong. This week's song is I Don't Believe You. Oh dear. A communication breakdown, thought not an angry one, strangely. It's kind of jaunty, a real puzzle. He doesn't believe her, he's out of his mind, but not angry about this?
Out of my mind again, dear
That's where you'll find me if you need me
Strumming to the tune I wrote down
Having the time of my life here
Does he think she's lying to him all the time? She's lacking the courage needed to tell the truth? He's confused, as am I. He doesn't know what he should do, if anything. If she really has been lying to him, why isn't he angry? It's a gentle tune with a nice guitar through-line. A real singalong song.
Whatever is going on, they've got themselves into a pickle. Maybe whatever story she's cookin' up isn't one of those do or die topics. She's not cheating, she's just told him she's done the dishes, contrary to all available evidence to the contrary. Or she was the one who put that red bra in the white wash?
The addition of The Secret Sisters (also from Muscle Shoals!) on backing vocals gives this song a very different feel to Caleb's other upcoming single, Slow Burn.
Cos I don't believe you
Even though I'd like to
I think you lack the courage
To just lay down the burden
Caleb has this exclusive message for you, in which he opens the lid a little bit more on the song and his recording process.
The protagonist in this song has allowed the denial to fester to the verge of a complete mental breakdown. He’s realized a relationship must end, and he will have to be the one to call it off. Bass, drums, guitar, keys and lead vocal were tracked live in the same room together, with the Secret Sisters angelic harmonies added in post. We wanted it to feel very live, like you’re in the room with an actual band performing together. The end result tips its cap to Harry Nilsson and The Band in a wonderful way I’m very happy about.
This has to be the happiest, jauntiest song about a lying lover I have heard in a very long time. It's fantastic! Your video link is below. Someone has definitely hacked his home CCTV system.
The video for Caleb's song Sweeter Paradigm called to mind an office at the police station in Twin Peaks.
You can catch Caleb live this July when you will find him opening several shows for Alabama Shakes. They are in Nashville on July 25. Caleb is signed to Single Lock Records, who are known to be discerning. So you have no excuse but to share, follow, like and listen on his own site!
Press Bit
“The record laces together threads of alt-country, soul, and folk, painting with a broad brush of emotions and pastoral acoustics. As the record winds on, portraits emerge of hurt and healing, each traced with a sense of warm and sincere emotion.” Under the Radar Mag
“After years as a sideman, the classically-trained musician has stepped up to his frontman potential, making Muscle Shoals-inspired music with a modern twist.” Lightning 100
“As a songwriter, he invokes the same early ’70s sway that makes Neil Young records so timeless…It’s always a testament to an artist’s talents when you can hear their influences peeking, if not pouring, through and, yet, still feel like you’re listening to something fresh and forward-thinking.” Folk Alley
“Blends the cool strut of a 1970s film soundtrack with orchestral flourishes and a steady, unhurried groove.” Rolling Stone
