Private Radio

by

Billy Bob Thornton

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I wasn't really sure what to expect from this release, but after previewing the songs on this site I wanted to give it a shot. I honestly didn't expect much... I, like many, wrote off Billy Bob Thornton as another "actor wannabe musician" type and wasn't expecting a solidly enjoyable CD. That is exactly how I would describe this album. From the Rockabilly stylings of "Smoking In Bed" to the radio-friendly "Angelina" to BBT's "Beauty At The Backdoor" ramblings, this is a fabulous collection of personal (and professional) works. Each track is distinctive and evokes a separate emotion from the last... The solemn "He Was A Friend Of Mine" leads into the title track, which features some beautiful fretwork (as do most songs) by Marty Stuart. It is as appealing as it is offbeat - just like the movies Mr. Thornton tends to appear in. Personally, I feel like the vocals/songs lie between Bruce Robison and Johnny Cash. If you enjoy either of those artists and/or this one, definitely check out "Cheating At Solitaire" and "Under The Influences" by Mike Ness. Mike Ness is the frontman of Social Distortion (punk/rockabilly-influenced) and the sound on his solo albums are reminiscent of this genre. *This* CD just falls short of 5 stars because I just am not enchanted by a near 10 minute monologue (even if it is an exceptionally well-told story that draws you in)being added amidst the other tracks. It would be a travesty to exclude it altogether, but I would've have been more please if it were the last track or "hidden." I feel it disrupts the flow of the album. In any case, definitely check this CD out.