Shooter Jennings "Black Ribbons"

     I have read good things about this album, but decided to listen to the earlier material in his canon first because of its sound. I try to give everything a chance before judging it, and I do not loathe country, it’s just not my favorite.  Shooter Jennings did release some great country records, but these Black Ribbons produce a sound that may have you change everything you know about Jennings and "Wake Up!" to the fact that this album may be different, but it is just as good, if not better. I also find the concept very interesting; there is no traditional story, but the record plays out as the last remaining broadcast, censorship free, playing music from an underground band of radicals known as Hierophant. The synth in the opening track, before it transforms into a southern-metal epic, reveals the power that Mr. West possesses.  The message in the song is also very prominent “Don’t let them get you down,” and that can be whoever you think it is talking about. “Last Light Radio 11:01” is the first track to reinforce this concept, and includes Will of the Wisp’s commentary on the current state of music, love, and a modern interpretation of a famous song from Woody Guthrie. There is some vocal distortion that has no "Triskadekaphobia," or fear of aurally cosmic undulations (not sure if that is an official phobia yet) possibly bringing you to the twilight zoo; possibly could have been something out of King adaption? There is no sign needed to know you “Don’t Feed The Animals.” You can admire the sounds they make: a cross between Beck and The Shins (the barely audible backing vocals) in a southern metal filter. The vocals are placed more in the background, but still pack a punch. "Last Light Radio 11:16" is even more forward, and might offend some people who have served in the army. I know I hear traces of beatles-esque phrasing that likes to come together with spacey and black keys funk that blasts off in a state of mind where "Everything Else is Illusion." The next song sounds more like earlier Jennings, until you get to the instrumental passage, but overall it’s "God Bless Alabama." To think "All of This Could Have Been Yours" would only drown you in misery if you took the time the listen, so just avoid it. "Last Light Radio 11:29" briefly explains how a book written over forty years ago is just as relevant today, and what follows is a brash middle-finger to all of those who didn’t believe that you would be at the point where you could say "F%#k You (I’m Famous)."   I can only explain this song by proclaiming that if Pink Floyd made a song to dance along with the "Lights in the Sky" this would be it; it’s also pretty funky and uses autotune. "Black Ribbons" also sounds like it could have been featured on an earlier Jennings  record while "Last Light Radio 11:41" is a shot of nostalgia for good ol’ Will o’ The Wisp ( or should I say Stephen King…yes, The Stephen King). “California Via Tennessee" is like classic southern rock via Kid. This song is only for "The Illuminated" on the subject of love. The beat is held by (at times) what sounds like horses trotting, and is theramin present? Yes, but he’s one of the only men that proves autotune can be used for good. ‘Last Light Radio 11:57’ has one last message to relay, because ‘When The Radio Goes Dead,’ so will the truth, and some may even say hope. Some may laugh, but that is only because they aren’t listening to the same kind of radio. "All of This Could Have Been Yours (Reprise)" is a fitting ending, and the score plays out like a movie ending in a state of confusion and misdirection, yet has promise for a sequel.