At the age of 21, John McCauley,
the man behind
songwriting project/band Deer Tick, has recorded War
Elephant, an album full of songs wiser and more nuanced
than he should be able to produce according to natural
law. The words are deliberate and heartfelt, following
the lead of guys like Townes van Zandt, Neil Young and
Richie Valens. The arrangements touch on everything
from the summery rock of Tom Petty to Nirvana’s sludgier
moments. And McCauley’s voice, arguably the best thing
about Deer Tick, carries these great melodies with real
strength and honesty.
This is not going to be the record they play at the dance party in the warehouse that you got all done up for. This will be the record you listen to on the drive back, alone and after you’ve sobered up enough to make it.
TRACKLIST
Ashamed
Art Isn’t Real (City Of Sin)
Standing At The Threshold
Dirty Dishes
Long Time
Nevada
Baltimore Blues No. 1
These Old Shoes
Not So Dense
Spend The Night
Diamond Rings 2007
Sink Or Swim
Christ Jesus
What Kind Of Fool Am I?
