CD Review – Wooden Wand (Attn: Country rebel fans!)
Death Seat
Young God Records
James Jackson Toth (performing under the monikor Wooden Wand) has been taking some lessons. His latest album is like a next generation rebel country record; something that Hank Williams III should have made. Songs like “Bobby” and “Sleepwalking After Midnight” are heartwrenching in that lonely acoustic vibe of Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. Toth’s voice may not have that weathered quality that Cash, Haggard and Waylon Jennings had/have, but his lyrics and his sound follow right in line with that “I’ve been there” crowd. He could easily fit in as the next Highwayman. The title track expands with layered vocals, slide guitar, mandolin and other assorted strings to make a sad alt-country anthem, especially with lines like “You’re no Jesus Christ.” But he follows that right up with the sparse “I Wanna Make a Difference” where he laments about how “I wanna make a difference in your life.” Toth’s talent is exponential compared to others in the genre. He is able to pull an emotional response by just plucking a guitar and barely whispering the lyrics. And that is what makes Death Seat is an amazing record.
