I head a Rocky Votolato song the other day on The O.C. and realized that Rocky’s new album Makers has been out for a few weeks and I have yet to post about it. On his third album, Rocky Votolato presents a similar but more stripped-down sound than on his previous two records.

Before going it alone, Rocky fronted the Seattle emo-rock outfit Waxwing in which his brother Cody also played until he joined The Blood Brothers so we knew he had the chops. But this hard-working father of two distinguishes himself from the myriad of other singer-songwriters out there through the sincerity and honesty of his music. His songs are little pieces of country-tinged acoustic Americana played with the attitude and heart of a punk-rocker. His great lyrics never sound contrived and it is hard to imagine that words this raw and that cut straight to the bone can be so poetic.

My wife and I have been enjoying Rocky’s music ever since we saw him live at the Fireside Bowl in 2003. I managed to track down a recording of that show for your listening (dis)pleasure. You can download it here.

Rocky Votolato’s album Makers is out now. It was co-released by Barsuk and Second Nature, where you can also find some of his older releases. RIYL: Steve Earle, Waxwing, Iron & Wine

MP3 | Rocky Votolato – Tennessee Train Tracks Makers
MP3 | Rocky Votolato – Someday You Won’t Be Here Makers

Related posts:

1. Review: Rocky Votolato – The Brag & Cuss (or) keep your eyes on the road
2. Billy Reubens played third
3. Review: Travels – S/T
4. Lucero and friends
5. Review: Cloudland Canyon – Lie In Light