JANGLING SPARROWS
140 NICKELS
PALACE/FLOPHOUSE RECORDS
THE PARTY AIN’T OVER–LOOK AWAY TWICE–BURNIN’ A HOLE–TAKE HOME YOUR COAT–AIN’T WAITING FOR THE PAINT TO DRY–ONE GOOD PIECE OF ADVICE–GREAT AMERICAN LIMBO–CHEAPER DOWN THE ROAD–EYES OF A STRANGER–CATCH THAT RIDE–POPS IS COMIN’ UP
Americana-roots band Jangling Sparrows is the brainchild of guitarist/songwriter/singer Paul Edelman, and the latest set from this eclectic, North Carolina-based group is entitled “140 Nickels,” and, really, when you get down to it, is a look at all of us thru the eyes of a road warrior who’s learned a lot of life’s lessons over the course of his career, and is more than willing to share them with us. Toss in his wickedly-keen sense of humor and over-the-top guitar skills, and you can easily see how this album evolved. Check out the leadoff,”The Party Ain’t Over ’til the roses die,” working in a clever lyric regarding “Hemingway and (Charles) Bukowski walked into a bar,” adding to the party-time groove of this one. “Look Away Twice” features a nice, second-line rhythm pattern, with NOLA-flavored accordion, and deals with the end of a love affair, where sometimes it’s best to walk away and make a clean break. “Ain’t Waiting For The Paint To Dry” features sweet country-blues harp as it details the life of a traveling musician. “Catch That Ride” continues that troubadour’s quest and zest to follow one’s dreams, and “One Good Piece Of Advice,” one of the set’s most uptempo cuts, might well be a good autobiography for Paul, as, during his formative years, he was always seeking something he could build upon and “take it on down the line!”
The set’s closing cut served as our favorite. Sung from the perspective of the Lord Himself, “Pops Is Comin’ Up”takes a reflective look at mortality, and serves as a reminder to celebrate life to the fullest.
Paul derives the title of this album from his days as a struggling musician, literally looking for loose change to buy something to eat. The songs are well-crafted and reach out and grab you at first listen, and the Jangling Sparrows’ “140 Nickels” is a clarion call to never give up on a dream! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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