Greg Brown, "Freak Flag" (Yep Roc)
What a versatile voice Greg Brown has. Semitrailer horns come to mind, as do prairie bullfrogs, rusty farm machinery and the flatulent catfish mentioned in Brown's song "Flat Stuff."
Like Randy Newman, another singer who croaks a bit, Brown uses a distinctive delivery to make his marvelous material that much more memorable.
While gravity pulls Brown's croon two octaves below middle C, the levity of the lyrics keeps the mood mostly light on "Freak Flag." Perhaps because the album was recorded at Memphis' Ardent Studios, there's more bounce to the beat than in a typical Brown set, and Bo Ramsey contributes stinging guitar work.
Center stage belongs to that rumbling baritone, however. It raises a hopeful cry on the topical "Freak Flag," which recalls the Cold War and Vietnam. The aforementioned "Flat Stuff" covers even more territory, touching on topography, show tunes, the sky and stale relationships. As for religion, Brown finds grace in spiritual ambiguity on "Let The Mystery Be," written by his wife, Iris DeMent.
Even Brown's simplest, most sentimental songs work. When the Iowan sings to his offspring on "Tenderhearted Child" or describes domestic bliss on "Lovinest One," it's sweet corn.
CHECK THIS OUT: On the witty "I Don't Know Anybody In This Town," Brown comes off like a cynical farmer caught in the hustle-bustle of Des Moines.
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