Darius
Degher - The Coyote Cantos
(Ineffable Train Works)
Darius Degher may not be a household name, but that’s
not through lack of talent or effort. Indeed, the most cursory glance at his CV
indicates a singer-songwriter with Zelig-esque qualities. Over the years, he’s
shared stages with REM, Don McLean, Lucinda Williams, Los Lobos, Dr. John, and
Guy Clark. In the ‘80s he led Paisley Underground outfit Darius and the
Magnets, released an acclaimed solo debut album, “Cardboard Confessional”, and
played sitar on Warren Zevon’s "Sentimental Hygiene" record. After
relocating to Sweden for a decade or so, and recording an album with his new
band Burning
Bridges, he made his way back to California, which brings us to his latest
recording, and his first album for eight years, “The Coyote
Cantos”.
It’s difficult to believe our paths haven’t crossed
before, but as the saying goes, better late than never. “The Coyote Cantos” is
very much a singer-songwriter album, with Degher’s rootsy voice to the fore.
The production is bright and full, and the arrangements supply plenty of hooks.
Opening cut “Edge of the Western World”
is the perfect start. Guitar and keyboards come together like something from a
classic mid/late ‘60s Dylan record, and a killer chorus wedges the song deep in
the subconscious. He likes to tell a story, too. “The Ballad of Bob and Oblivion” is a wonderful title
with a song to match, and “The
Gas Station Lady” is a banjo-propelled tale of alien abduction
and some intergalactic probing. If it weren’t for the fact that he’s 30 years
into a career, I’m sure there’d be a call to label him the next Bob Dylan, as
it’s similarly branded songwriters like John Prine, Steve Forbert and Elliott
Murphy that come to mind. That’s good company to keep, and I’m sure fans of the
above trio will find much to enjoy in Degher’s brand of literate Americana.
Rob F.
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