The Wood Brothers: Loaded

By: Wesley Hodges

The Wood Brothers second studio effort, Loaded (released April 1 on Blue Note Records) is a successful amalgamation of folk, gospel, country, roots and blues music produced by Chris Wood‘s Medeski Martin & Wood bandmate, John Medeski. Chris Wood and his brother Oliver have a close musical connection that really shines through on Loaded.

The lyrics are mundane in such a delightful way that almost any listener could connect with them. At the heart of the album is the sad inspiration and increased closeness the brothers experienced at the recent loss of their mother. Many of the lyrics have a tortured artist feel to them with an upbeat melody, thus providing a unique feel within the traditional blues format. The melodies are simple and hark back to a simpler musical time, and the Wood Brothers’ harmonies are so tight that it sounds like they are just overdubs of the same pipes.

Every song here is not only listenable but downright enjoyable. “Postcards from Hell” is a great introduction for new listeners to the duo’s distinctive rootsy, blues sound. The second verse sums up Loaded, saying, “You never heard a soul so pure and true/ It’s flowin’ right out of his hands/ He can sing sweet as a choir girl/ He can sing a house on fire.” Dylan and Hendrix fans will certainly enjoy The Wood Brothers’ takes on “Angel” (featuring Amos Lee)” and Dylan’s “Buckets of Rain.” “Make Me Down a Pallet On Your Floor” is probably the most enjoyable track on the record. It sounds like a couple of friends jamming on the porch on a sunny Friday afternoon. “Still Close” is the brothers’ requiem ode to their recently deceased mother and is a fitting end to a rock-solid album.

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