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Speaking of glockenspiel, Lonely Parades makes intelligent use of nonstandard (for rock) instrumentation throughout. Banjo, triangle, pedal steel, lap steel, trumpet, Mellotron, e-bow, mandolin, cello, and even saw are clear in the mix. And they're all present in service of the songs, not as some sort of kitchen-sink gimmick. Production and assorted instrumentation is handled by Athens GA jack-of-many-trades David Barbe, perhaps best known for his work with Bob Mould in Sugar.
The spooky saw on "Life's a Dream" is the effective centerpiece of this plaintive march. "If You Could Live Another Life (Would You?)" features keening pedal steel guitar and an insistent beat that calls to mind a harder-rocking Tom Petty. Along with "I Can't Wait" it represents the high point of Lonely Parades, but that's not intended as a disparagement of the other tracks; there's no filler on this disc. The album covers a wide range of styles, yet each fits within Ferrelle's approach; he's no dilettante, and sounds every bit as at home on the countrified tracks as on the rockers. In fact he successfully blends the two styles into a mix that -- oddly -- isn't really country-rock. Ferrelle treads musical territory in the same region as John Hiatt or Nick Lowe, yet he leans in a pop direction. Barbe's up-front production is clear and focused, delivering muscle and power as well as nuance. It's a neat trick to rock out and still have the glockenspiel come through, but Ferrelle's arrangements and Barbe's production and mixing accomplish the feat.
This is an album that deserves a wide listen. Recommended.
(The Amazon link above features the MP3 download version of the album. The CD version can -- and should! -- be ordered HERE.)