COLORBEARER OF ATHENS, GEORGIA LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987
March 28, 2012

Josh Daniels

Nothing but My Soul to Lose

Reading the credits of Josh Daniels’ Nothing but My Soul to Lose is a lot like reading a list of who’s who in Athens music. Daniels gets some help from Andrew Heaton (Packway Handle Band), Karolyn Troupe (Venice Is Sinking) and a whole host of others who add much needed sparkle to an otherwise average album.

Soul is a collection of singer-songwriter-driven, easy-going, country-tinged numbers. “Volcano” is a standout track featuring John Watkins on keys and Troupe adding sweet harmonies over Daniels’ plaintive singing. The Watkins/Troupe duo lend the song a bit more tension, giving “Volcano” more gravity than it may have had if Daniels had gone it alone. Instrumental pick-fest “Governors Reel” is another highlight, providing a much needed diversion from the record's monotony.

Daniels closes with a cover of Otis Redding’s soul classic “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” which exemplifies Daniels’ laid-back, “gather-around-the-campfire-together” style. What it lacks in passion it makes up for in warmth; Daniels' delivery is smooth, relaxed and inviting. If you’re up for soft guitar and sweet harmonies, by all means, sing along.

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