Quote: "Jay Thomas has a variety of things in store for you as you listen -- and his unique, raspy voice makes you want to listen."
By Catherine L. Tully
The first track on Cloquet, titled "Crooked Smile," initially made me think of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, but singer/songwriter Jay Thomas has a variety of things in store for you as you listen -- and his unique, raspy voice makes you want to listen.
Track two, "Let The River Run Dry," had moments where it seemed the lyrics were a little circular for my tastes, but the mood of the song more than made up for it. The album's title track has a country feel. The name echoes back to Thomas' hometown in northern Minnesota. Although it is a nice, easy-going song, I didn't think it was the best one for highlighting his vocal capabilities. I really like his voice, so I wanted to hear more of what I heard before this track.
I did get that in "Cowboys," which builds momentum by showcasing Thomas' new associates in Austin where he now lives. Joining him are musicians John Chipman, Colin Brooks, Danny Beltran and Cole El-Saleh, who add their own talent to the songs on the album.
"Mexican Slip" is a fun track that makes you feel like moving, driving, or both. A nice pick-me-up after the two slower songs before. Track six, "Here I Am," I liked for the honesty I felt in the lyrics.
My two favorite songs however, are at the end of this album. Thomas' songwriting succeeds in making you curious as to where the story is going in "Father's Day," and I wasn't quite sure whether I should be feeling bad or smiling at the end of it, but it was a good ride either way.
And if you told me that "Willie Nelson Smokes Dope" would be my pick of the litter, I would have laughed, but by the second listen I was singing along -- it is kind of irresistible in that way. The lyrics on this song grab you by the shirt and scream in your face -- in a fun way. If you don't think that's possible, check it out for yourself
