Jefferson Pepper - American Evolution 2 (American Fallout Records)

Jefferson Pepper's own assessment of his music as 'country music for people who hate country music' could not be more true with American Evolution Number 2, the Pennsylvanian singer/songwriter's second of three volumes investigating American history.

It comprises all the traditions of American folk music, from harmonicas to gorgeous guitar licks, and throws in upbeat rock riffs and sing-along poppy choruses for good measure.

The album opens up with the unmistakably Simon and Garfunkel-esque 'On And On'. Jilting guitar licks and vocals make you feel like Pepper is talking directly to you as he tells the sad story of George beginning work with his father in a slaughter house, before joining the Army in WWII.

The issue of war is continued in the beautiful 'Civilized Savior', which continues the storytelling feel until the very end of the song, when the tempo picks up as Pepper launches head on into the swinging '60s with the rock'n'roll inspired 'Real Good Time'.

The up-tempo 'Land That I Love' carries true patriotism, a blatant celebration of everything American. This is a classic rock song with a sing-along chorus and ripping guitar solo that typifies Pepper's brilliant songwriting ability.

The diverse nature of Pepper's songs is enhanced by 'The Ballad of Betty Wulfrum,' which tells of an ordinary 'pimply-faced' country girl bullied by her classmates making a success of her life by getting a "miraculous transformation" through plastic surgery.

One of the more bizarre elements of the album is 'One Percent,' a spoken track backed by a dance beat. It's in complete contrast to the feel of the album, but stands out as a protest song against the supposed American dream. The raw American rock feel of the album then kicks in with the brilliant 'The Crying Land' and 'Coming Down', as the album accelerates to a stunning conclusion with Pepper's historical review now focusing on the 1980s.

'Orphans of Endorphins' is possibly the stand out track on the album, a rocky exploration of youth culture featuring guitar solos which will have rockers across the country pulling out their air guitars. Pepper's lyrics are superbly descriptive and his diverse musical style makes the album thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking throughout. This is a must for any true music fan's collection.

Rating: 4.5/5

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29/09/2008
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Jefferson Pepper - American Evolution 2 (American Fallout Records)
If you've ever labelled folk music as dull and bland, you would do well to check out this mind-blowing musical fusion exploration of American history.

17/05/2012
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Jefferson Pepper's official website
http://www.americanfallout.com/jefferson_pepper.html

17/05/2012
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Jefferson Pepper on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/jeffersonpepper

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Published: 29/09/2008 at 21:48
Author: Rob Latham
Links: Permanent Link