CheekyChicago

It’s no secret Cheeky loves Joe Pug.  We’ve featured Chicago’s own singer/songwriter/Folk extraordinaire from day one, reviewing his EPs and live shows. Last week, Pug released his first full-length album, Messenger, and we’re pleased to continue the tradition of featuring our favorite Folker, with a review of his latest release.

From the album’s opener and title-track, “Messenger” listeners are introduced to a new side of Joe Pug, as he is backed by a full band as opposed to his usual, more stripped, acoustic sound.  “Messenger” features a foot-stompin’ beat and stellar pedal steel playing.  But those yearning for Pug’s lone vocal and harmonica duo need to look no further than Messenger’s second track; “How Good You Are” has quickly become my favorite track of the album.  Another easy standout, “Not So Sure” will settle any doubts over Pug’s lyrical aptitude.  Never one to renounce candor confessionals in his lyrics, he sings, “I bummed expensive cigarettes / I wrote John Steinbeck’s books / I undressed someone’s daughter, then complained about her looks / Stealing was so easy then, I wish that it still were / Now as I pick my own pocket, I know that these days, I’m not so sure.”

Pug also presents a varied blend of songs, successfully showcasing his ability to bring more than one sound to the table.  He delivers stripped acoustic tracks, whose candid lyrics are almost unsettling, he croons upbeat Folk-twang songs like “The Door Is Always Open,” and even inspires a little rock ‘n’ roll sing-along, as heard on “Speak Plainly, Diana.”

As Pug is known to do, he dowses Messenger’s lyrics with blue-collar tales and amorous confessions, but I notice a growth and maturity not only in his lyrics, but Messenger’s entire song craftsmanship.  He successfully casts aside the shadow of previous comparisons to Bob Dylan and perhaps John Prine, stepping out into his own light as a reputable and lasting songwriter.

Photo: Taylor Castle