Tim Easton: Beat The Band | Since 1966, Volume 1

Tim Easton
Beat The Band (w/ The Freelan Barons)
Since 1966, Volume 1
Campfire Propaganda Records [2011]




Fire Note Says: Americana troubadour Tim Easton makes a return on his own indie label and delivers up one electric and one acoustic new album with stellar results!

Beat The Band Album Review:
Recorded over 5 days in Nashville, Beat The Band finds Tim Easton recording his first independent record since his 1998 solo debut, Special 20, and also his first with his touring band The Freelan Barons. This set up fits Easton's style well even though he may be more known for his folk/Americana sound, he has always had a more indie rock undertone on his previous albums with a lyrical ability to write the perfect pop song. His array of talents shines here with the aid of The Freelan Barons because you still get the interesting story but Beat The Band dives deeper into the rock vibe, such as the scorching guitar in the last minute of "Did Your Mother Teach You That" and the foot stomping loud attitude portrayed in "Open Letter". This doesn't mean that Easton still does not tone things down a bit here, as album highlights "Nobody Plays Piano In Athens, GA" and the title track feature true emotion and the let the slower pace showcase Easton's vocals. Beat The Band finds Tim Easton at perfect ease being out on his own and in his element, as his singer/songwriter style is brighter than ever with great musicians behind him, great songs to sing and a larger than life passion for music!

Key Tracks: "Daily Life", "Nobody Plays Piano In Athens, GA", "Beat The Band"

Since 1966, Volume 1 Album Review:
The second release from Tim Easton is the primarily solo acoustic record Since 1966, Volume 1. The tracklisting offers up previously unreleased songs from Easton that were recorded everywhere from a mountain cabin to a Travelodge to Easton's own campfire in his front yard. As expected, this record is completely laid back and not only offers up the prolific side of Easton but also underscores his pure talent. He is an artist that can stand out acoustic or electric, as Since 1966 never feels like it contains a bunch of throwaways or half finished products. Instead, the easy feeling you get while listening to Since 1966 is the same feeling you get seeing Easton live and that is precisely why this record was created, as he performs an equal amount of solo shows throughout the year. Just one listen to the memorable "Highway 62 Love Song" should sell you on Easton, as it represents proudly his talent for great storytelling and showcases his somewhat weathered voice that simply never gets tiresome. Tim Easton still deserves his day in the popular sun and even though neither of these releases may achieve that big success, there is no reason longtime fans should not snatch theses releases up and with more exposure an entire new legion of Easton followers should be created!

Key Tracks: "Highway 62 Love Song", "The Weight Of Changing Everything", "Summertime Heart"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ryan Adams
Patterson Hood
Leeroy Stagger

Tim Easton: Porcupine [Fire Note Review 4/24/09]
Easton Stagger Phillips: One For The Ditch [Fire Note Review 1/13/09]
Tim Easton: Ammunition [Fire Note Review 5/26/06]

Tim Easton Website
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-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony