Review: JD McPherson – Nite Owls
JD McPherson – Nite Owls
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: New West Records
Release: 2024
Text: Pascal Wilhelm
A real surprise, this new record by JD McPherson. At one time, an icon of neo-rock ‘n roll, his music is developing in an interesting way.
On the predecessor of Nite Owls, ‘Undivided Heart & Soul,’ modern Black-Keys-esque influences are apparent. On the album ‘Let The Good Times Roll’ that went before, you could already notice that JD was moving into a more modern, alternative approach to roots rock ‘n roll (JD and Dan Auerbach from the Keys cooperated on the song Bridgebuilder from the album).
On ‘Nite Owls,’ JD takes further steps bringing in T-Rex, David Bowie, The Beach Boys, Buzzcocks and The Beatles. Other facets of his singing voice are also explored. On the first two records, JD sings in a Nick Curran style, while on Nite Owls his voice resembles Mark Bolan’s and Bowie’s.
The mixing on ‘Nite Owls’ is also quite adventurous. Still, the sounds and instruments used are from the rock ‘n roll tradition. JD pays tribute in the liner notes to Duane Eddy, who died April 30, 2024, and who is known for cultivating the distinctive twangy rock ‘n roll guitar sounds.
To be honest, I found the Black Keys influences on ‘Undivided Heart & Soul’ sometimes a bit too apparent (I’ve heard bands shamelessly copying THAT sound), but on ‘Nite Owls’ it feels different. Obviously, it is normal to be influenced by your contemporaries and JD does just that. On the other hand, he shows he can trickle down influences from other styles of music into his own, which shows his musicianship.
It’s OK to emulate a certain style when creating music, it’s instructive and can produce good music. However, it usually leads to being regarded as the next this or that band or artist.
This record is an excellent example of how to go beyond that and create one’s own distinctive sound. ‘Nite Owls’ is all JD McPherson, it’s unique, it’s rock ‘n roll.
Tracks:
01. Sunshine Getaway
02. I Can’t Go Anywhere with You (Feat. Bloodshot Bill)
03. Just Like Summer
04. Nite Owls
05. Shining Like Gold
06. The Rock and Roll Girls
07. Baby Blues
08. The Phantom Lover of New Rochelle
09. Don’t Travel Through the Night Alone
10. That’s What a Love Song Does to You
Website: https://www.jdmcpherson.com/