It is well noted that I am an Andy Bopp fan and he has never been afraid to push the envelope. His fans follow him through these adventures, out of both loyalty and how interesting his work is. Primarily he is noted for Power Pop, but that genre became so confused that he stepped out of it.
However, for someone noted to be so Electric, this album is a major change. He doesn't plug in once and the music is not only acoustic, but arranged wonderfully in a manner more fitting to Americana, Country and Folk. All are areas that I don't venture into much.
It is not because I'm not an admirer of the genres, I once was, but Americana in particular became awash with songs that all sounded the same, not helped by popular artists who all followed a similar mediocre path. However this is wonderful and not really at all because it is Andy Bopp.
The space provided by the instrumentation allows the songwriting to shine and Bopp is an underrated songwriter. This is a singer songwriter album and a fine one. Beautifully played, arranged and lyrically adept. The songs seem to come from the heart.
That is probably because the album is about his Father in the 1935 American Depression and the songs are largely done in a style that is nearer that year than this. The fiddle accompaniment on the jaunty railroad vibe of House Call is just perfect.
The Yee Haw feel of Willow Cry is a real altogether now hillbilly affair with added Pedal Steel. Home is melancholic, part Country, part Dylan Folk. Brookside Mining Company is similarly moody and works just as well,
There are two songs that sound more modern, if the 70s Singer Songwriter feel is modern. Lost Napoleon is another beautifully written story song and A Child Of Innocence, haunting yet incredibly melodic. This set of songs makes me wonder how some of Bopp's Back catalogue would sound in this style and vice versa, how these songs would sound rocked up.
As well as the instrumentation, the main take is how easily Bopp's voice suits these songs. His vocal performance is an absolute tour de force, befitting the songs, but adding another dimension to his work. He is such a fine Guitarist that you forget how easy to listen to his, his singing is. Tower City Vol. 1 caught me completely by surprise and I am full of admiration.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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