Former BR5-49 frontman Chuck Mead is back with his third solo album and his first collection of new material since 2009’s Journeyman’s Wager. Free State Serenade is great set of 12 tracks ranging from traditional country and rousing rock ‘n’ roll, with most tunes mixing a little of both. Thematically, the songs span from love, life, murderers on the lam, William Quantrill’s Civil War raid, and a UFO sighting. Standouts include: country serenade “Reno County Girl”; the Western swing tune “Neosho Valley Sue”; the rockabilly numbers “The Devil by Their Side” and “Evil Wind”; and closer “Sittin’ on Top of the Bottom.” Free State Serenade is another superb effort from Mead. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Mandy Barnett, BR5-49, The+Cactus+Blossoms, Robbie Fulks, Wayne Hancock