John Bustine - Waltzes & Pleas

Posted on 9 October 2007 | No Comments

Filed Under: Album Reviews, Americana

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Yet another record that I’ve been pleasantly surprised by is the debut album from Washington DC’s John Bustine. Aptly titled Waltzes And Pleas, his outstanding debut is filled with earnest and rootsy folk-rock that finds him battling his inner demons and reconciling with the lord for the things he’s done. Bustine’s tales are captivating and well-crafted, and ragged from his days on the lam. Although occasionally supplemented by fuller arrangements, most of Waltzes And Pleas revolves around Bustine’s acoustic guitar and desperate vocals for an overall tone that is reminiscent (at least a little bit) of Rocky Votolato.

Bustine himself described Waltzes And Pleas as an album full of “drinking songs for children.” And while I don’t think my two year old daughter would necessarily want to listen to this (nor would I really want her to), it is tailor-made for the bar-room and its emotionally wounded patrons full of regrets and what if’s. I can remain hopeful and live (or rather not live) vicariously through the songs on Waltzes And Pleas from the relative safety of my living room. A great album and promising debut from this talented singer/songwriter. The record is out now on Gypsy Eyes Records.

MP3 | John Bustine – This Guitar Says I’m Drunk Waltzes & Pleas
MP3 | John Bustine – Miss Amputee West Culver County Waltzes & Pleas