"Carwreck Conversations" / Ralston BowlesThis is a debut album from a Michigan based singer-songwriter Ralston Bowles who has been in the center of the local music scene since the 70s. His music might be categorized as Americana or folk rock, but it is quite different from so-called Austin-style Americana and it certainly has something very original in it. His musical style is probably influenced by country, folk, pop and traditional American rock, but those influences are well mixed up and it's more sophisticated, modern and mature than what we would expect from his kind of musician.
The acoustic guitar playing is subtle and impressive throughout the album, particularly on "Draper" and "One More Holiday". In some of the tunes, such as "Being Young" and "Everybody But You", electric guitar is used very effectively to add some rock flavor to the tracks. Mandolin and harmonica on "Grace" which is my favorite tune create a nostalgic feeling and make the song more expressive.
Ralston's warm mellow voice nicely fits in the background music and colors the lyrics. As well as a good song writer, he is also a good singer and his vocals on "James Dean" and "Grace" are shiveringly cool. The lyrics are rather personal and sometimes spiritual, but at the same time they have something common to everyone. It seemed to me that in some of the songs, by facing the past and the present of his inner world, he's trying to redefine his place in the outside world. I don't know if this is what he meant, but that's how I felt about his lyrics.
I have exchanged a few emails with him and his music is just like the impression I got from his emails, honest and sincere. I am so glad that I got to know him and met his music thanks to Internet. His music may not be for everyone, but I'm sure those who know what music is about would love it.
