Greg Ashley
is a cynic, and it suits him well. He also has a lot of stories about drugs and alcohol, which don't seem to agree with him so much, though that doesn't necessarily stop him from exploring them as an occasional option. These two sides of
Ashley
's creative personality dominate his 2017 album
Pictures of Saint Paul Street
, a set of ten songs that deal with the lesser side of human nature as seen through
's eyes. Titles like "Self-Destruction Derby," "A Sea of Suckers," and "Bullshit Society" give you an idea of
's dour view of the world around him, but musically
is surprisingly jaunty. With playfully jazzy piano figures dominating many of the songs, and clarinet and fiddle adding texture to others, this album trades in
's psychedelic influences in favor of an upbeat sound best described as an indie rocker's 21st century variation on ragtime. (Though "Bullshit Society" and "Jailbirds and Vagabonds" deliver a significantly more downbeat sound, the latter is clearly influenced by
's well-documented fascination with
Leonard Cohen
). The push and pull between
's lyrics, which often deal with the drug-and booze-addled misadventures of various sad sacks (some of whom may or may not be
himself) and the upbeat approach of the music gives this album an engaging emotional dynamic, and it points to the strength of
's lyrics and melodies, which complement one another especially well on these sessions. It also helps that
owns his own recording studio, which allows him to give this album a simple but satisfying sound that adds to both the humor and the bite of his tales.
is every bit as satisfying as the cheap wine or stepped-on cocaine favored by some of
's characters, and it won't give you a hangover in the morning. ~ Mark Deming