Caleb Elliott is back with another single this week. In case you haven't heard from him yet (where have you been?) you can catch my write-up on his earlier single below.
PAUL DETTMANN
Caleb's new tune, Slow Burn, is not a slow burn at all. I have a tipster with ears of gold who sent me this one and it grabbed me instantly. It is catchy, an ohrwurm as my German ancestors say, a worm that burrows into your ear and thence into your brain, never to be removed.
His tunes seem simple and accessible but his lyrics still contain some mysteries. This week he is advising us against running from a situation we're not enjoying at this moment.
Given your best advice was simply to run
I think you should take your time, soak up some sun
I know on a lot of days it seems like they’re right
Mostly we waste away like fruit on the vine
If he is saying to hold firm, wait a little longer, and not jump to rash decisions, then I am all for that. It's never bad advice to calm down and reflect, a skill that has served me well this year without actually getting any easier in practice.
Take care not to poison your mind
Learn to tell who’s blurring the lines
In similar fashion, Caleb suggests that in over-thinking the situation you might confuse yourself. There will be those around you offering well-meant advice who will only confuse you further. This line about blurring the lines is so good, so necessary, but still difficult to stick to.
Scream and shout for something to change
But don't blame the blood in your veins
I think when you put all of these segments together you have a song that is relevant to many situations in life, at work and in relationships. Don't make snap judgements, take time to reach a decision, and learn who to listen to and who to ignore, even if the person you should ignore is sometimes yourself.
There is a nice mix of electric and acoustic guitars, and Caleb has a clear but earthy, Marshall-amp-style voice.
Try hard not to live in the past
Slow burn until it all turns to ash
Evidence still remains
More to the point
I was sent a quote from Caleb himself but I made a point of writing my own interpretation above before reading it. I don't think I did too badly but you can be the judge.
"This song is about the idea that there is nowhere on a map you can go to get away from yourself. It offers encouragement to not live in the shadows of the past, or allow others to dictate the terms of your happiness, but instead to take responsibility for your own well being. This is the first song we tracked for the new album, mainly because I was so excited about it. It’s driving beat and electric guitar forward feel set the tone for the entire session."
Caleb Elliott
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. You can stream the new song on all the usual at this link.
The Video
The video. This video! What to say... this appears to be footage of some very silly boys carrying on a high school science experiment. I am thrilled to report that although beer is fireproof, tennis balls are not so much.
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
