Blitzen Trapper

Their breakout album contains two of their absolute best songs, but without them, the record wouldn't get half as much praise. They have other better albums, but very few of their singles can hold a candle to the title track and Black River Killer.

This record feels like a concept album that was never fully realized. If you're already a fan of the band, it undeniably has some good songs on it, but nothing here really moves the needle.

This release didn't blow me away upon arrival, but it's steadily grown on me over time. It isn't flashy, with nary a single to be found, but it's the band's most consistent (and gentle) album, bordering on Americana with a sprinkling of Springsteen.

A bit less sonically experimental than the VII record that would follow it, American Goldwing shines exactly because of that more traditional approach, with the required catchy singles, appreciated heartfelt deep cuts, and a variety of styles that provide something for every curious listener.

Blitzen Trapper has a number of great albums, but the variety present on this seventh release makes me come back to it more frequently than some others. The unique-- dare I say, sometimes *wacky*-- instrumentation paired with the consistently high-quality lyrics of Eric Early can make your head bop along for one track while your eyes are leaking from another.