Spain – Carolina – Album Review by Killian Laher

Josh Haden, son of the late Charlie Haden, has been recording with various collaborators under the name Spain for the last twenty years. With this, his sixth album in that time, he can’t be accused of just churning out new material. He has moved into a more stripped-down, rootsy sound this time out. His efforts are certainly convincing, The Depression compares well with Hank Williams, Apologies is a gorgeous,perfectly pitched lazy strum and In My Hour has the gloom-country feel of prime American Music Club.

Later on the album, Starry Night does a fair approximation of Townes Van Zandt. Although there isn’t much variation here, For You the only track here approaching what you might call ‘rock’, but the album does a fine job of conjuring an almost ‘Steinbeckian’ dustbowl feel. Haden really inhabits songs like Tennessee and Lorelei like a true country pioneer. Who knew this kind of music would suit him so well?

Track List:

1. Tennessee
2. The Depression
3. Apologies
4. Lorelei
5. One Last Look
6. In My Hour
7. Battle of Saratoga
8. Starry Night
9. For You
10. Station 2

Station 2: