Austin Sessions

Balladeer Edwin McCain revisits his Jurassic period with his sixth outing, eschewing modern technology to return to an almost all-acoustic format he became comfortable with while gigging in the resort town of Hilton Head, South Carolina. But this album is a little less joyful than McCain's usual offerings, as he spins tales of missed opportunities, bad timing, and failed relationships. Even his cover selections seem dour. Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet" never sounded so tragic, and Buddy Mondlock's "No Choice" seems brittle and hopeless. Even the previously recorded "Go Be Young" is darkened by regret, while the gritty "Let It Slide" asserts, "You know Elvis said only two things were certain: hookers and Coupe Devilles." Perhaps being dropped by his long-time label has caused McCain to view the glass as half-empty; he cautions fans on "Alive" that "life's roller coaster, it ain't got no safety bar." This stark and compelling collection is one of McCain's best. --Jaan Uhelszki