Life seems to be playing out more like a sappy country song these days. Since back from TX, there’s hardly been a day without a new verse… Despite that, trying to get back to more regular posts. And listening to this a lot lately. “Used To It Now,” the second album from Portland, Oregon’s Hearts Of Oak which is Nate Wallace and friends. The music is slow, quiet country with light-handed arrangements, overall pretty and often quite beautiful. And then Nate opens his mouth. Limited range. A bit reedy. And a lot nasal. And just perfect for this collection of down on your luck/no luck tunes. Listening to it makes me feel like I’m doing a whole lot better. It also has the makings of something that will only get stronger with age. I’m sure it’s going to be playing a lot this summer as the weather gets hot and everything slows down.

Rut Vegas

Buy: CD Baby