Ralph Blues | Rediscover
There are probably two ways of looking at this album. If it was food, it would be an organic apple – sure, there might be a couple of worms, and it’s pretty rough around the edges, but the overall effect is pleasant and familiar…
On the other hand, this album is literally an old man, his guitar, (occasionally his wife) and some songs about alligators. It sounds like the dude busking outside your local supermarket.
I put this album on in my car. The hackneyed word choices stung, and when the Johnny Cash-esque growling sprang out, I thought I was going to have to pull over. But in saying that, this music has a sincerity that (for an idealist such as myself) is hard not to appreciate. Ralph clearly loves what he does, and wants to bring these treasured songs that have been his companions to a greater audience. Also, as the popularity of folk music increases, it’s nice to hear the genuine article, rather than the emulator. And I loved the endearingly Kiwi duet with his wife on Arthur’s Pass.
Overall, a great present for that uncle from Australia.
