On his new album, Trouble In Mind, the 32 year-old Carll navigates his way through both stormy weather and calm, sun-drenched waters with ease, emerging with songs that melt even the hardest heart in town. Their impact is heightened by the fact that they're songs born of both immersion in the works of his songwriting heroes and plenty of real world experience.
Those elements certainly permeate Trouble In Mind, but there's a much sharper focus to the material, thanks in part, to more time in the studio and some great players sure to be familiar to roots-rock aficionados, including, Dan Baird, Darrell Scott, Will Kimbrough and former Flying Burrito Brother Al Perkins.
Carll's personality, emotional but never too sentimental, mischievous, funny, world-weary and sardonic, imbues every track of Trouble in Mind.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Does he get any better?:
This guy is just too much! What a voice, I just really think he is my long lost cousin from the backwoods of Tn. Just a good old boy with simple needs and wants. He will touch your soul with the kindness of a relative that loves you and the world around us. At the same time HC knows how to rock a country tune.
excellent singer-songwriter:
In our house, we like the tunes, we like the words, we like his voice. The fact that Carll's concerns are so typical of singer-songwriters make it even *more* impressive that this album succeeds so well. There's not a bad song, and the Tom Waits cover is very apropos. Plus, he rocks out, and we were very impressed that when we saw him live he had Jimmy Page (1968 version, with red polka-dot shirt) playing lead guitar in his band)!
Hayes Carll Rocks:
Hayes Carll. Not a bag song on his CDs. Some of his older ones are harder to get but I highly recommend tracking down Flowers and Liquor and Little Rock.
Country with a lot of heart:
Attended the Stagecoach Festival in California and heard a lot of great old music and some very ordinary new music that was more heavy metal than country. Just when I was about to give up on the young artists, I stumbled upon Mr. Carll at a side stage and I immediately knew I was in the company of something special and unique. His music caught me and his personality drew me in. Best thing I heard in three days and I love the CD. If he ever tours the northeast, I'll be there. If you like Hayes Carll, check... more info
