Something In The Water

Pokey La Farge is no longer a niche artist, but one dragging the mainstream closer to his peculiar brand of American roots music. There are changes here, not all of them positive, but Something In The Water does not let down the side.Improvements - Pokey is the star here, as in Central Time, with his voice front and centre. This is his best recorded singing. There is more attention to production, arrangements and background singing, even than the superb Central Time.The musicianship is great, but by no means showy and overbearing. The songs are bright and breezy, and there are no real duds.Less good is the song quality - it is not up to the standard set in Central Time, nor is it as good as in his debut album. The standouts this time are the drum boogie 'Underground', the adored ballad 'Cairo Illinois' (also on a very early effort) the strange 'Goodbye Barcelona'. My favourites are the title track and 'The Spark', which is like a 1950's track, very commercial and thus, very unusual for Pokey. Not only is the album 'old timey' but so are the male/female sentiments, which play the angel/ devil game too often to be an accident. 'Bad Girl' and 'When Did You Leave Heaven' are just two of at least four examples of this.But this record will sound great live, and that's where the money is. Pokey is very assured live these days, and with his expanded band, these tracks should sound spectacular. If you have not seen him live, you're missing something. Probably 4.5*, but Amazon is not that subtle.

recently discovered Pokey... currently working my way through his back catalog. This is a recent enough album, and it is just superb. Country mixed with blues with a bit of soul and gospel ... and that voice. Between him and Orville Peck, I am listening to either one or other of their records. Love it.

Not sure how your other reviewer can give this album 5 stars and then say it's not as good as Pokey's previous efforts, but they are right in proclaiming that these songs will work well as part of Pokey's live set. Pokey and his band are extraordinary live.I think you'd be hard pressed to find a weak song on this record (unless old time music doesn't float your boat) but I also think it shows the worth of expanding his band although some will claim change is good.I think its extraordinary good record but with some surprises.

Have enjoyed this Pokey F CD only occasions. Great music

First heard Mister LaFarge on the radio recently (Bob Harris Country). He is definitely different and great to listen to. If I were to sum this album up then its seems appropriate to quote from one of the songs on the album "Take a jazz band with a country beat, it's Midwestern swing for your dancin' feet".I can definitely recommend Pokey Lafarge. No nonsense music which I just love.You might check out Wayne Hancock while you're at it - Tulsa is a really good album - more no nonsense music.

If you know LaFarge you will enjoy this album. If you don't know LaFarge, be warned, this is not your usual Top of the Pops nonsense. This is a well written, nicely produced, slick mid-western swing album. Pokey has the image to match. So put it on, sit back and slip into another time, with a nice glass of Irish whiskey!

I've just listened through Something in the Water for the first time, all the while referring to the accompanying lyrics. Couldn't stop grinning. The wit of the music is matched by the brilliant lyrics. To my untrained ear the backing musicians are high quality, too. Finally, more smiles for the chorus. What an album!

Excellent ordered 16th June arrived 17th June , There must be something in the water ,cd A1 thank you , Lyndon.