image courtesy of Frank Roszak Promotions

Album Review of Cryin’ Out Loud: Play Loud & Smoke Often

This is a good ol’ rowdy, smoky barroom-era rockin’ blues (and bluesy rock) record. On Play Loud & Smoke Often, Cryin’ Out Loud, comprised of Ben Chute (guitar), Brandon Stallard (vocals, guitar), and Jim Fratini (bass, background vocals), welcomes guest appearances from Erik Lawrence (Little Feat), the late, great Paul Nelson (The Paul Nelson Band), and Brooks Milgate (Ana Popovic’s band).

The first three songs kicks things off with some raucous, playful, rockin’ blues energy, letting the listener know this band knows how to create (and enjoy) a good time. Right off the bat, vocalist/songwriter Stallard leaves no doubt about the band’s proclivity with the raucous, fun, rockin’ blues number “I Smoke Cigars and I Play the Blues.” The energy level remains high with “I’m Gonna Drink My Way to Memphis,” at least once the song amps up and gets groovin’. And a swingin’ opening provides a new nuance to the bands style while maintaining the fun energy, as “You Can Dance to the Blues” kicks into groove. Play Loud & Smoke Often, a great record throughout, is front-loaded with electric energy.

Finally, the band slows things down with the methodically thumpin’, slow blues wailer “If You’re Gonna Leave.” Personally, I like the lyric, “When you leave, honey, be sure and take your momma, too.” That’s some downhome blues.

The rest of the disc remains solid and varies a bit more. I won’t name every song to rest of the way; I’ll focus on a few personal favorites. “Unconditionally,” for example, is soft and heartfelt – the only song on this record that doesn’t seem to be at all blues, but rather more like a Southern folk number. However, you can see why it’s on the disc. It’s a sweet song about daddy missing his little girl that’ll put a lump in your throat. “Tell Her” is a blues-based rocker featuring very Bob Seger-styled vocals, with maybe a hint of The Boss, and sporting a pace of delivery that maybe a little Mellencampy. “Moonshine Love” is another cool departure, a more swingin’, ’50s rock-influenced blues number with an almost Joe Cocker-ish edge to the vocals.

Finally, “Time Away From You” closes things with a fun energy, opening with the nifty line “I need a drink. I need a smoke. I need to run around with a girl I don’t know. I need to laugh. I need to sing. I need time away from you, if you know what I mean.” Its moderately-fast tempo and bluesy lyrical snark are a great way to end this entertaining record.

Looking Ahead

The “Events” tab of Cryin’ Out Loud’s Facebook page lists numerous shows around Maine throughout the rest of the year. Mainers, this is good news for you. For the rest of us, especially here in New England, it might be worth a trip. I mean, a visit to Maine is always a great idea, but it might be worth wrapping the trip around a Cryin’ Out Loud gig.