Ok, right off, how can I not like a guy that writes a song to commemorate the “Great Nashville Flood”? I was there. OK, not exactly… they called us and told us not to come to work the day the rain started, so it was a few days before I saw the devastation first-hand. But, even if he had only sent me the one song, I would have fallen hard and fast and run to hit the download button for the rest of the record.
McGuire does his thing from the great state of Kentucky. Using acoustic guitars and mandolin backed by old-timey fiddles and light percussion, the mood of the Kentucky Appalachians is prevalent all the way through the record. There is a melancholy and lonesome feeling to the music, but it is never the focus.
Even with the sad sounds (oh, I love the sad songs), the message is positive and inspiring. “You can save your money till the day you die, Ain’t no ATM on the other side. There’s always somebody needs a little more help, no I don’t go ’round feelin’ sorry for myself.”
Mike has a naturally smokey smooth voice that is as much like Bob Dylan’s as any I’ve ever heard, but without the ubiquitous mumbling (thank goodness). His style is simple and honest, and delivers his lines like a punch in the face with a feather pillow.
Sam Bush and Prine come to mind as the disc spins, especially on “Western Kentucky Parkway;” a tongue in cheek slap at the administration and a reverent salute to the musicians, towns and people from Paradise to Louisville.
There is a strong spirit writing these songs. They move hearts and touch souls. This is the kind of music that made me pick up a guitar and struggle with three chords and my own thoughts and feelings. I’ll be playing this one for a while, and gleaning all I can from it. Whether you are a picker or just a music lover, I strongly suggest you check out Mike McGuire
SOURCE: Official Bio
